Total Protein in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes important substances like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance and support immune function.
["Total protein helps assess overall health and identify potential issues like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6725-6
- Short code
- Egg White IgG Qn
- Synonyms
- Egg White IgG Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or liver disorders. It can also help monitor treatments for conditions like nephrotic syndrome or certain infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your doctor recommends it, but this is rare for a simple protein measurement. Bring any medications or questions to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to determine the total protein concentration. Results are typically available within 1–3 business days.
Possible Results & Next Steps
If your results are outside the expected range, your doctor may order additional tests to investigate underlying causes, such as checking albumin levels separately or evaluating kidney/liver function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels?
Results are usually ready within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your doctor will contact you once they have the final report.
High protein levels may indicate dehydration, severe infections, or certain blood disorders. Your doctor will review your medical history and may recommend further tests to determine the cause.
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