Serum/plasma total protein concentration
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes both albumin and globulin proteins. Proteins are essential for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels help your body stay healthy and function properly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2324-2
- Short code
- GGT SerPl-cCnc
- Synonyms
- GGT SerPl-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 61
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 3110003
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain immune disorders. It can also help monitor chronic conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
You can eat and drink normally before this test. If you’re taking certain medications, let your provider know. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing if advised, as it may affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate the serum or plasma, where protein concentration is measured using a specialized laboratory technique.
What the Results Mean
Low protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, severe kidney or liver disease, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from the kidneys). High protein levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe burns. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Adult males: 8-61 U/L; Adult females: 5-36 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues requiring further evaluation. Low protein levels may impair immune function, fluid balance, and nutrient transport, while high levels could indicate systemic inflammation, disease progression, or metabolic disturbances. Regular monitoring helps manage chronic conditions effectively.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
What if my protein levels are outside the normal range?
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