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Total Protein with Albumin/Globulin Fractionation (Serum)

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

This test measures the total protein in your blood and breaks it down into albumin and globulin fractions, which help assess protein balance and potential liver or kidney issues.

Quick summary

["Understanding your protein levels can help identify health concerns like malnutrition, liver disease, or immune disorders."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35152-8
Short code
Deprecated VLCFA C26:0 SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
Deprecated VLCFA C26:0 SerPl-sCnc
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 Matters

Total protein and its components are vital for many bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune responses. Abnormal levels may signal conditions like chronic liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals 2 hours before your blood draw. Stay hydrated unless advised otherwise. Your provider may ask about recent medications or illnesses.

What the Results Mean

Your results will show total protein, albumin, and globulin percentages. High total protein could indicate dehydration or multiple myeloma, while low levels may suggest liver disease or malnutrition. Albumin specifically helps detect liver or kidney function.

Common Conditions Linked to These Results

Elevated protein levels might suggest conditions like multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells) or dehydration. Low albumin often points to liver disease, kidney failure, or malnutrition, while abnormal globulin levels may indicate autoimmune disorders or infections.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Protein profile

Frequently asked questions

Will my results affect my treatment plan?
Your doctor will review your results alongside other health factors to determine if further testing or adjustments to your treatment are needed. This test is often part of a broader evaluation for chronic conditions like liver disease or kidney problems.
What if my results are outside normal ranges?
If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider will discuss next steps, which may include additional tests (e.g., liver function tests) or lifestyle recommendations. Follow-up may be scheduled to monitor changes over time.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your health status. Routine checks may be recommended for people with chronic conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Your doctor will advise based on your individual needs.
  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