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Total Protein in Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of protein found in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.

Quick summary

["Total protein helps assess overall protein balance and potential liver or kidney issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
77473-7
Short code
Deprecated Hind+Mid ft-R XR 1V
Synonyms
Deprecated Hind+Mid ft-R XR 1V
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 This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order a total protein test to check for conditions affecting protein production, such as liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition. It can also help diagnose certain immune system disorders or monitor treatment responses.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.

How the Test Is Performed

A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a small pinch, but the procedure usually takes just a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Results are reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney problems, while high levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Serum Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low total protein levels?
Low total protein can result from liver disease (reducing albumin production), kidney problems (losing protein in urine), malnutrition, or conditions like severe infections or burns that deplete protein reserves.
What causes high total protein levels?
High protein levels may occur with dehydration (concentrated blood), multiple myeloma (excess plasma cells producing abnormal proteins), or chronic inflammatory diseases. Rarely, it can be due to overproduction of globulins.
How often should this test be repeated?
Your provider will determine follow-up timing based on your symptoms and test results. If abnormal, they may repeat the test to monitor trends or check for progression of a condition.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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