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Total Protein in Serum (Electrophoresis-Based)

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

This test measures the overall amount of protein in your blood serum, often used to assess overall protein status and identify conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels help doctors check for health imbalances."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61338-0
Short code
Egg White IgE/IgE total %
Synonyms
Egg White IgE/IgE total %
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 Is This Test Done?

Doctors may order this test to evaluate your nutritional health, detect liver or kidney disease, or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease or certain cancers. It can also help diagnose conditions affecting protein synthesis or breakdown, such as malnutrition or inflammatory diseases.

What Does It Measure?

The test measures the total protein content in your blood serum, which includes proteins like albumin and globulins. These proteins play key roles in maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients.

How Is the Sample Collected?

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing.

What Are Common Results and What Do They Mean?

Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while high levels could indicate dehydration, inflammation, or certain medical conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Serum Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low total protein levels?
Low total protein levels can result from conditions like malnutrition, liver disease (such as cirrhosis), kidney disease, severe infections, or certain cancers. It may also occur if your body is breaking down proteins too quickly or if you're not absorbing nutrients properly.
What causes high total protein levels?
High total protein levels can be due to dehydration, chronic inflammatory diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), multiple myeloma, or certain types of kidney disease. Rarely, it may also be linked to conditions affecting protein synthesis in the liver.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your medical condition and doctor’s recommendations. If you have an ongoing health issue like kidney disease or liver problems, your doctor may schedule this test regularly. Otherwise, it’s often done as needed for specific symptoms or evaluations.
  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