Serum or plasma concentration of total protein (electrophoresis-based)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. It helps assess overall protein status and can indicate conditions affecting protein synthesis or loss.
["Total protein levels can signal kidney issues, liver problems, or nutritional deficiencies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97245-5
- Short code
- EDDP TissCo Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- EDDP TissCo Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate kidney function, liver health, nutritional status, or to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or malnutrition. It can also help diagnose or monitor certain cancers or inflammatory conditions.
What to Expect
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s processed to measure total protein levels using electrophoresis, a method that separates proteins based on size and charge.
Normal vs. Abnormal Results
While specific ranges vary by lab, lower than expected levels might suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while higher levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe burns.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues, such as kidney disease (where proteins may leak into urine), liver disease (where protein production is impaired), or conditions like inflammatory diseases or certain cancers.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Protein (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are out of the expected range?
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