Total Protein with Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures your total protein levels in blood and evaluates the balance between albumin and globulin proteins, which are key to your body’s immune function and fluid balance.
["Understanding your protein balance helps identify potential issues with protein production or breakdown."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21576-4
- Short code
- CDT
- Synonyms
- CDT Tetrasialo/Tf MFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1.3
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Capillary electrophoresis or HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) for carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) isoform separation and quantification
- CPT
- 82373
- SNOMED
- 395146005
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable at 2-8°C for 7 days; frozen at -20°C for longer storage up to 3 months; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does Total Protein Measure?
Total protein includes both albumin and globulin proteins. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance in your blood vessels, while globulins support immune function and transport certain substances. This test provides a snapshot of your overall protein status and the ratio between these two types of proteins.
Why Is the Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Important?
The ratio between albumin and globulin can indicate underlying health conditions, such as chronic inflammation, liver disease, or kidney problems. For example, low albumin might suggest fluid retention or malnutrition, while an abnormal globulin level could point to immune system issues.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The sample is processed to separate and measure total protein content, as well as the relative amounts of albumin and globulin. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
What Might Affect Your Results?
Several factors can influence protein levels, including diet (especially protein intake), liver or kidney disease, infections, dehydration, or certain medications. Recent illness, stress, or changes in diet may also impact your results.
Reference range
Tetrasialo transferrin ratio: typically >= 1.6% or CDT < 1.3% of total transferrin is considered normal; values above the reference range suggest chronic alcohol consumption. Reference values may vary by laboratory method.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should abstain from alcohol for at least 2 weeks prior to testing for accurate baseline interpretation, though the test is specifically designed to detect recent chronic alcohol use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like swelling (edema), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections, or signs of organ dysfunction (such as liver or kidney issues). It’s also used to monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or autoimmune disorders.
Short name
Protein profile test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
What are the normal ranges for this test?
Can diet or medications affect my protein test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy