Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which helps assess overall protein levels and potential nutritional or liver issues.
["Your blood protein levels can signal health risks like malnutrition or liver disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61256-4
- Short code
- Cocksfoot IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Cocksfoot IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why It Matters in Your Health
Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining proper fluid balance. Low protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while very high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain medical conditions.
What to Expect During the Test
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The test is quick and requires no special preparation.
Common Causes for Testing
Doctors may order this test to check for nutritional deficiencies, diagnose liver or kidney disease, evaluate fluid balance, or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease or malnutrition.
Factors That Could Affect Results
Factors like dehydration, certain medications, or recent illness can influence protein levels. Pregnancy, infections, or severe burns may also temporarily alter results.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated total protein levels might suggest dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Low levels could indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation based on your full medical picture.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What are the normal reference ranges?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy