Total Protein with Albumin Ratio (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the proportion of albumin to total protein in your blood. It helps assess protein balance, kidney function, and potential liver or nutritional issues.
A useful tool to check protein distribution and underlying health conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96544-2
- Short code
- Cont w conf case 14D prior to symp
- Synonyms
- Cont w conf case 14D prior to symp
- Category
- coagulation
- 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 This Test Matters
Your body relies on proteins like albumin for many vital functions, including maintaining fluid balance, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune health. Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins in your blood, while total protein includes all proteins measured together. This ratio can reveal imbalances that might signal conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re fasting, follow your doctor’s instructions for the specific test components. Avoid alcohol or certain medications for 24 hours before testing if directed by your provider.
Common Causes for Testing
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, swelling, fatigue, or changes in kidney/liver function. It’s also used in monitoring chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or malnutrition.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your overall health and symptoms. A higher-than-expected albumin-to-protein ratio might suggest dehydration or liver issues, while a lower ratio could indicate kidney disease, malnutrition, or inflammation. Your doctor will discuss findings in relation to your medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This ratio helps identify protein-related imbalances that may not be detected by individual protein tests alone. It’s particularly useful in diagnosing conditions affecting protein synthesis (e.g., liver disease) or protein loss (e.g., kidney disease) and guiding treatment plans.
Short name
Albumin-to-Protein Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have liver disease?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How long will it take to get my 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy