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Serum or plasma mass concentration of total protein

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

This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall health and detect conditions like kidney disease or malnutrition.

Quick summary

["Total protein levels reflect your body’s protein balance and can signal underlying health risks."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56500-2
Short code
GH 3h p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH 3h p chal SerPl-mCnc
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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein production, kidney function, or fluid balance. It’s also used in monitoring chronic diseases like liver disease or kidney failure.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw, and you can eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know.

What the Results Mean

High protein levels might indicate dehydration, liver disease, or certain cancers. Low levels could signal kidney disease, malnutrition, or severe burns. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your health.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, or protein-losing syndromes (e.g., severe diarrhea or bowel disease).

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes high protein levels in blood?
High protein levels can result from dehydration, liver disease, or certain cancers. Rarely, it may be due to overproduction of proteins in the body.
What causes low protein levels in blood?
Low protein levels often occur with kidney disease, malnutrition, or severe burns. Chronic liver disease or conditions causing excessive protein loss (e.g., gastrointestinal disorders) can also lead to this result.
How often should I get this test?
Your provider will determine frequency based on your health needs—this could range from routine checkups to monitoring chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease.
  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