Serum/plasma mass concentration of protein (e.g., albumin, globulin, or total protein)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins are essential for transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune function.
["Total protein helps assess overall protein status and identify potential deficiencies or overproduction."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 112048-4
- Short code
- Dx Mnr ppl Endscpy
- Synonyms
- Dx Mnr ppl Endscpy
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- endoscopy
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or dehydration. It can also help evaluate protein-losing disorders or monitor treatment responses in certain conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Lower-than-expected protein levels might suggest malnutrition, kidney or liver disease, or excessive fluid loss. Higher-than-expected levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or other rare conditions. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your health history.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or severe infections where protein levels may drop. It can also help diagnose conditions like nephrotic syndrome or protein-losing enteropathies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues, such as organ dysfunction or nutritional deficiencies. Low protein may indicate poor nutrient absorption, while high protein could reflect conditions like dehydration or certain cancers. Regular monitoring helps track disease progression or treatment effectiveness.
Short name
Total Protein (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels in the blood?
What should I do if my protein test results are abnormal?
Can diet affect protein test results?
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