Serum/plasma substance concentration (general protein or electrolyte profile)
This test measures a variety of substances in your blood, often including proteins, electrolytes, and other chemicals. It helps your doctor assess overall health, detect imbalances, or monitor conditions like kidney function, liver health, or hydration status.
A blood test to check for common health issues by analyzing key chemicals in your bloodstream.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 64376-7
- Short code
- FULLTIMEPATIENTCARETECHNICIANSTAFFPOSITIONSFILLEDATENDOFPERIOD
- Synonyms
- —
- 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
What This Test Typically Includes
This test often includes measurements for substances like sodium, potassium, chloride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (a measure of kidney function), glucose, calcium, albumin, total protein, and sometimes liver enzymes or other markers depending on the specific profile requested. Some tests may also include electrolytes like magnesium or phosphorus. The exact list can vary based on the order you receive.
Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test
Doctors order this type of test to evaluate your overall health, diagnose medical conditions, or monitor existing ones. For example, it can help check for dehydration, kidney problems, liver issues, or metabolic disorders. It may also be used during routine check-ups or before surgeries to ensure your body is functioning properly.
Common Uses and When to Expect Results
Results from this test are often used to guide treatment plans, adjust medications, or detect early signs of health problems. You may receive results within a few days, depending on the lab’s processing time and your healthcare provider’s request for follow-up actions.
What to Expect Before the Test
There are usually no special preparations needed for this test. You may be asked to fast for certain parts of the test (like glucose), but a general blood draw typically requires no fasting. Make sure to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results can signal underlying health issues such as kidney disease (elevated creatinine or BUN), liver problems (abnormal liver enzymes), electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or sodium), or metabolic conditions like diabetes (high glucose). Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and symptoms to determine the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if I have a medical condition that might affect my test results?
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