Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes important substances like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels can indicate overall health, hydration status, or potential medical conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6474-1
- Short code
- Gram Stn Urth
- Synonyms
- Gram Stn Urth
- 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
What Does Total Protein Measure?
Total protein is the sum of all proteins in your blood, including albumin and globulins. Albumin helps keep fluids in your bloodstream, while globulins support immune function and blood clotting. These proteins also play roles in transporting hormones, vitamins, and other substances throughout your body.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or infections. It can also help evaluate hydration status or diagnose certain autoimmune diseases.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, usually in a clinic or lab. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. The results are compared to standard reference ranges to identify any abnormalities.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Higher-than-normal protein levels may suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, severe dehydration, or certain liver diseases. Lower-than-normal levels could indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or chronic liver problems. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated protein levels may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), severe dehydration, or chronic liver disease, where the body produces too much protein. Low protein levels can signal malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction, as these organs help regulate protein synthesis and removal. Monitoring protein levels helps identify systemic health issues early, guiding treatment decisions for conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or fluid imbalances.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes high total protein levels?
What causes low total protein levels?
How often should I get 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