Total Protein in Serum (Mass Concentration)
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 helps assess overall health, kidney function, and potential nutritional deficiencies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57950-8
- Short code
- Cow Whey IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Cow Whey IgE/IgE total %
- 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 infections. It can also help monitor treatment responses in certain conditions.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results may be lower than expected if you have malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, or if you’re not absorbing nutrients properly. Higher-than-normal results might suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum portion is then analyzed to measure total protein levels using a specialized laboratory technique.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low protein levels can result from poor diet, chronic illnesses, or conditions that affect protein production or absorption. High protein levels may indicate dehydration, severe infections, or certain blood disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels can provide clues about your body’s overall protein status, which is vital for many bodily functions. Low levels may signal underlying health issues that need further investigation, while high levels could point to conditions requiring medical attention.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What might cause my protein levels to be too low?
What should I do if my protein test results are abnormal?
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