Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immune function, and transport nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels can indicate overall health, hydration, or potential conditions like kidney disease or liver problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63335-4
- Short code
- ENA Scl70 Ab Fld Ql IA
- Synonyms
- ENA Scl70 Ab Fld Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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
What Does Total Protein Measure?
Total protein is a sum of all protein types in your blood, primarily albumin and globulins. Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels, while globulins support immune responses and transport substances like hormones and vitamins. Abnormal levels may signal issues with protein synthesis, fluid balance, or organ function.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to evaluate kidney function, liver health, nutritional status, or to diagnose conditions like malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or inflammatory disorders. It can also help monitor treatment responses in certain conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm. Avoid strenuous activity before the test.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis, and results are typically ready within 24–48 hours.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated total protein levels may suggest dehydration, chronic inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Low levels can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or severe infections. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your overall health and symptoms to interpret them accurately.
Short name
Total Serum Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes high total protein levels?
What causes low 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