Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes proteins like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Total protein levels can help identify conditions affecting protein synthesis, kidney function, or fluid balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13358-7
- Short code
- Collect Tme Smn
- Synonyms
- Collect Tme Smn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or certain infections. It can also help monitor treatment progress for conditions like nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
How the Test Works
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure the total protein concentration in your serum.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while high levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues. Low protein levels might indicate poor nutrient absorption, liver dysfunction, or kidney disease, which can weaken your immune system and lead to swelling. High protein levels may reflect conditions like dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers that produce excessive proteins.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
How often should I get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy