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Protein Mass Concentration (Serum/Plasma)

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

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, typically drawn from serum or plasma. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.

Quick summary

["Understanding your protein levels helps assess overall health and identify potential issues like dehydration or kidney problems."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10584-1
Short code
Deprecated Prot-mCnc
Synonyms
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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 This Test Is Done

Doctors may order this test to check for conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, liver problems, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor treatment progress for certain medical conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this depends on your doctor’s instructions. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest for a short time afterward.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary. Low protein levels might suggest fluid loss or organ dysfunction, while very high levels could indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or severe liver disease.

Common Conditions Affecting Protein Levels

Low protein levels can result from kidney disease, malnutrition, or excessive vomiting/diarrhea. High protein levels may be linked to conditions like dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Protein levels are critical for diagnosing and managing a range of health issues. Abnormal results often prompt further testing to identify the underlying cause, such as blood tests for albumin or specific protein markers.

Short name

Protein Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes protein levels to be low?
Low protein levels can be caused by conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, severe malnutrition, or excessive fluid loss (e.g., from vomiting or diarrhea). Your doctor may also check for chronic illnesses or infections.
What causes protein levels to be high?
High protein levels can result from dehydration, severe infections, inflammation, or certain cancers. In some cases, it may also be due to overproduction of proteins in the body.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health status and any conditions they are monitoring. Regular check-ups or follow-ups may include this test if needed.
  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