Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Serum Protein (General Protein Measurement)
This test measures the total amount of protein found in your blood serum or plasma. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.
["This test helps assess overall protein levels in your blood, which can indicate hydration status, kidney function, or other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58875-6
- Short code
- GH sp32 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp32 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your hydration status, check for kidney disease, monitor liver function, or assess protein loss due to conditions like kidney failure, malnutrition, or certain inflammatory diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves a blood draw, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Avoid strenuous activity or excessive fluid intake 24 hours prior if specified.
What the Test Involves
A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. The process is quick and typically causes only mild discomfort. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Lower-than-expected protein levels may suggest dehydration, malnutrition, or kidney problems, while very high levels could indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or severe liver disease. Your results will be interpreted in relation to your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may prompt further testing, such as additional protein breakdown tests (e.g., albumin or globulin levels), kidney function tests (e.g., creatinine), or imaging studies. Your provider will discuss findings and recommend follow-up based on your symptoms and test results.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What are the most common causes of low or high protein levels?
Can diet affect the results of 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