Skip to content

Total Protein in Serum (Mass Concentration)

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

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

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels help assess overall health and detect conditions like malnutrition or kidney disease."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27156-9
Short code
Deprecated S pneum8 Ab sp2 Ser-mCnc
Synonyms
Deprecated S pneum8 Ab sp2 Ser-mCnc
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 It Matters in Your Health

Blood proteins play a vital role in transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune function. Abnormal levels can signal underlying health issues, such as chronic kidney disease or liver problems.

What to Expect During the Test

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, typically by a healthcare professional. The sample is then processed to measure protein concentration in your serum.

Common Conditions Affecting Results

Low protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, severe kidney disease, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from chronic diarrhea). High levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain liver disorders.

Preparation Tips

No special preparation is needed for this test. However, avoid heavy meals or excessive fluids right before your blood draw to ensure accurate results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Serum Protein

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
No special diet is required. However, avoid heavy meals or large amounts of fluids immediately before your blood draw to help ensure accurate results.
What if my protein levels are outside the normal range?
If your results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan. This could include checking for conditions like kidney disease, liver issues, or nutritional deficiencies.
  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