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Serum or plasma mass concentration of total protein

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

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.

Quick summary

["Total protein levels can signal health issues or help monitor certain conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50498-5
Short code
GH sp6 SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH sp6 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 like dehydration, liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition. It can also help diagnose or monitor diseases like multiple myeloma or kidney failure.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about any medications or supplements you take, as they may affect results.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-expected protein levels might indicate conditions like dehydration, multiple myeloma, or liver/kidney disease. Lower-than-expected levels could signal malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems. Your results will be interpreted by your provider in the context of your overall health.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or to assess protein-losing disorders. It can also help track responses to treatments for conditions affecting protein synthesis or loss.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Elevated total protein levels may reflect conditions such as severe dehydration, multiple myeloma, or chronic inflammatory states. Reduced levels can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction. Your provider will consider these results alongside other clinical findings to guide diagnosis or management.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes total protein levels to be high?
High total protein levels can result from conditions like severe dehydration, chronic infections, or certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma). It may also appear in people with kidney disease that causes protein to leak into urine.
What causes total protein levels to be low?
Low total protein levels are often due to malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney disease. Other causes include chronic liver or kidney conditions, severe burns, or certain medications that affect protein production.
Do diet or medications affect total protein test results?
Yes, diet (especially protein intake) and certain medications (e.g., steroids, chemotherapy drugs) can influence protein levels. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications or dietary changes before or after 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