Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum, which helps assess overall protein levels and identify potential issues like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
["Your blood protein levels can signal health concerns that may need further investigation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18427-5
- Short code
- EBV EA Ab Fld Ql
- Synonyms
- EBV EA Ab Fld Ql
- 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 is a key marker of your body’s protein balance. It includes albumin and globulin proteins, which play vital roles in maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients. Low or high protein levels can indicate underlying health conditions that require medical attention.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a comprehensive blood panel. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while a blood sample is drawn from your arm.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated protein levels may suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, severe dehydration, or inflammatory diseases. Low protein levels could indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, liver failure, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from chronic diarrhea). Your healthcare provider will discuss results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
What You Should Know About Results
Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges, but these can vary slightly by lab. If your levels are outside the normal range, your doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments to address the underlying cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a low total protein level mean?
What causes high total protein levels?
How often should I get this test?
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