Serum or plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.
["Total protein helps assess overall protein levels and potential issues like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50587-5
- Short code
- GTT 4h Pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- GTT 4h Pnl SerPl
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302345006
- 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 affecting protein levels, such as malnutrition, liver disease (like cirrhosis), kidney disease, or dehydration. It can also help monitor treatments for conditions like multiple myeloma or nephrotic syndrome.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a liver or kidney function panel. Avoid smoking or strenuous activity for 30 minutes before drawing blood.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but the process is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using nephelometry, a method that measures how much light a protein scatters.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, severe liver or kidney disease, or excessive fluid loss. High levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-12.0 μg/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
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 causes high total protein levels?
Do I need to fast before 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