Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Your blood protein levels help assess overall health and detect potential issues like kidney disease or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90263-5
- Short code
- Gram Stn Mlk
- Synonyms
- Gram Stn Mlk
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 2.5 N/A – 6.5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gram-stain
- CPT
- 84132
- SNOMED
- 110742001
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
Total protein is a measure of all proteins in your blood, primarily albumin and globulins. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance in your body, while globulins support immune function. This test does not distinguish between different types of proteins.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or dehydration. It can also help monitor certain treatments or diagnose symptoms like swelling, rapid weight loss, or fatigue.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast before the test, but this depends on your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood will be sent to a lab for analysis. The process takes a few minutes.
The blood sample is processed to measure the total protein content in your serum. Results are typically available within a few days.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What are the common symptoms of abnormal protein levels?
Can diet affect my protein test results?
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