Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes important proteins like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels can indicate overall health, hydration status, and potential kidney or liver issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27112-2
- Short code
- Gram Stn Fld
- Synonyms
- Gram Stn Fld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gram-stain
- 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 It Matters in Your Health
Blood proteins play several critical roles. Albumin helps keep fluid in your blood vessels, preventing swelling, and supports the transport of substances like hormones and medications. Globulins contribute to immune function and blood clotting. Abnormal protein levels may signal conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, liver problems, or certain cancers.
What Can Affect Your Results
Several factors can influence your protein levels, including diet (especially high-protein foods), hydration status, certain medications, or underlying health conditions like kidney disease or liver disorders. Recent blood donation or dehydration may also temporarily affect results.
Common Conditions Monitored
Healthcare providers often check total protein levels to diagnose or monitor conditions such as chronic kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, or inflammatory diseases. Low protein levels may suggest malnutrition or excessive fluid loss, while high levels could indicate dehydration or conditions like multiple myeloma.
What to Expect During the Test
This test is typically done by drawing a small amount of blood from your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting), and the protein content is measured using standard laboratory techniques. The result is usually available within 1–2 days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low total protein levels may raise concerns about malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction. High levels could indicate dehydration, severe infections, or certain immune disorders. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider, as they’ll consider your overall health and symptoms to interpret the meaning accurately.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does a normal range mean for me?
Can diet or lifestyle changes affect 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