Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.
["Your blood protein levels help doctors assess overall health and detect potential issues like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43544-6
- Short code
- Deprecated Finger.4th-L XR GE 3V
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Finger.4th-L XR GE 3V
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- 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’s Done
Healthcare providers may order a total protein test to evaluate symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, swelling (edema), fatigue, or signs of organ dysfunction. It can also be part of routine check-ups or investigations into chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your doctor specifies it, but this is not always required. Bring any medications or questions to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. The protein content is measured using a specialized laboratory technique, often automated and highly accurate.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, severe kidney disease, or liver problems, while very high levels could suggest conditions like multiple myeloma or severe dehydration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels can provide clues about overall health, especially when combined with other tests. Low protein levels may signal malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis, while high levels might suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your medical history and other test results.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
Do I need to avoid certain foods 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy