Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes both albumin and globulin proteins essential for maintaining fluid balance, immune function, and tissue health.
["Your blood protein levels help your body stay balanced and protect against infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 643-7
- Short code
- Gram Stn Pus
- Synonyms
- Gram Stn Pus
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein production, such as liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or certain immune disorders. It can also help monitor treatment responses for conditions like chronic kidney disease or inflammatory diseases.
What Does It Measure?
The test measures the combined weight of all proteins in your blood serum, including albumin (which helps keep fluids in your blood vessels) and globulins (which support immune function and transport substances like hormones).
What Might Affect Results?
Factors like dehydration, overhydration, diet (especially high-protein or low-protein diets), liver or kidney disease, and certain medications can influence protein levels. Recent blood donation or blood loss may also temporarily affect results.
What Are Common Findings?
Low protein levels may suggest conditions like liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney problems, while high levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions. Interpretation depends on clinical context.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Total protein levels are vital for diagnosing and managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, and autoimmune disorders. Abnormal results often prompt further testing to identify underlying causes.
Short name
Total Serum Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a low total protein level mean?
What does a high total protein level mean?
How is this test usually prepared?
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