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Serum/plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry

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

This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and kidney function.

Quick summary

["Total protein helps check for conditions like malnutrition or kidney problems."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
65320-4
Short code
Fy3 Ab SerPl Ql
Synonyms
Fy3 Ab SerPl Ql
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?

Your doctor may order this test to evaluate your nutritional status, detect kidney disease, or monitor conditions like liver disease, chronic inflammation, or dehydration. It can also help diagnose or manage certain medical conditions.

What Does a High or Low Result Mean?

High total protein levels might suggest dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain types of cancer. Low levels could indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from burns or kidney disease).

Sample Preparation and Collection

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum or plasma for testing. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your specific test instructions.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used alongside other blood tests to diagnose or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, or to assess the effectiveness of treatments for conditions affecting protein metabolism.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes high total protein levels?
High total protein levels can result from dehydration, chronic inflammation, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), or certain autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and other test results to determine the cause.
What causes low total protein levels?
Low total protein levels are often due to malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or excessive protein loss (such as from burns or severe diarrhea). Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease may also contribute.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Preparation varies by lab, but generally, no special preparation is needed. However, check with your healthcare provider if they recommend fasting or avoiding certain foods/drugs before the test.
  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