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Total Protein with Albumin/GLOBulin Fractionation (Serum)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your blood’s total protein and breaks it down into albumin and globulin fractions, which help assess protein balance and potential liver, kidney, or immune system issues.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels can signal health problems like malnutrition, liver disease, or immune disorders."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
106959-0
Short code
CD19CD79B
Synonyms
Cells.CD19+CD79b+ NFr Spec FC
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile heparinized (sodium heparin or lithium heparin) blood collection tube. EDTA (K2/K3 EDTA) tubes are acceptable for immunophenotyping when processed within 6–8 hours. ACD-A tubes may be used when prolonged transport is anticipated. Avoid serum separator tubes (SST) and clot activator tubes, as they are inappropriate for cellular analysis.
Units
N/A
Ref low
4
Ref high
18
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
flow-cytometry
CPT
86356 (Monoclonal antibody studies by flow cytometry, each cell marker; multiple markers typically billed per marker analyzed)
SNOMED
43347005 |Cell surface marker measurement (procedure)| with appropriate morphology codes; or 395127008 |Lymphocyte marker study|
Specimen volume
3–5 mL of peripheral whole blood in anticoagulant tube for adults; 1–3 mL for pediatric patients. Minimum volume of 1 mL whole blood is generally required for adequate lymphocyte subset analysis.
Stability
Specimen should be processed within 24 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18–25°C). Heparinized samples are stable for up to 48 hours at room temperature; EDTA samples should be processed within 6–8 hours to maintain optimal cell viability and marker expression. Do not refrigerate or freeze whole blood specimens. If processing will be delayed beyond 24 hours, fixative reagents (e.g., TransFix) may be used to preserve antigen expression for up to 7 days at 2–8°C.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

Total protein includes albumin and globulin, both vital for transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immunity. Low levels may indicate malnutrition, liver/kidney disease, or chronic inflammation, while abnormal fractions can hint at specific conditions like infections or autoimmune disorders.

How the Test Works

Blood is drawn and separated into components. Protein is measured directly, while albumin and globulin are often analyzed via electrophoresis (a method separating proteins by size/charge).

Common Conditions Affecting Results

Protein levels can drop due to poor nutrition, liver disease (reducing albumin), or kidney problems (losing protein in urine). Globulin levels may rise with infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic inflammation. Abnormal fractions can also signal hidden conditions like thyroid disorders or certain cancers.

Preparation Tips

No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals 2 hours before testing to ensure accurate results. If you’re on certain medications (e.g., steroids), let your provider know.

Reference range

Reference ranges for CD19+CD79b+ B-cells vary by laboratory and analytical platform. General adult reference ranges based on published literature: 4.0–18.0% of total lymphocytes or 70–610 cells/μL (absolute count). Pediatric ranges are age-dependent with higher values in neonates and infants. Always interpret using the laboratory's established reference interval.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation is required. Recent rituximab or other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy may transiently deplete circulating CD19+/CD79b+ B-cells. Recent blood transfusion, corticosteroid therapy, or active infection can alter lymphocyte subset distribution. Specimen should ideally be collected before initiating immunosuppressive therapy when monitoring baseline immune status.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Protein Profile

Frequently asked questions

What does a low total protein mean?
A low total protein may signal malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to diagnose the cause.
Why might my albumin be lower than expected?
Lower albumin could indicate liver disease (reducing protein synthesis), kidney disease (losing protein), or severe infections. Globulin levels may also be affected, depending on the underlying cause.
When should I ask for this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, swelling, frequent infections, or signs of liver/kidney issues. It’s also sometimes included in routine blood panels.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy