Serum or plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and identify potential issues like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
["Total protein levels reflect your body’s protein balance and organ health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9877-2
- Short code
- J Pnt Depr L-AVF
- Synonyms
- J Pnt Depr L-AVF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- 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 production, such as liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor protein loss due to conditions like burns or chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast before the draw if your lab uses a different method. Bring any medications or questions to your provider.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where protein levels are measured using a technique called nephelometry, which detects light scattering from proteins in the blood.
What the Results Mean
Lower-than-normal protein levels may indicate conditions like liver disease, severe malnutrition, or kidney problems. Higher-than-normal levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your health history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Total protein levels are a broad marker of protein status. Low levels often signal underlying health issues requiring further evaluation, such as protein-losing gastrointestinal disorders or chronic kidney disease. High levels may reflect dehydration or conditions like multiple myeloma, where abnormal protein production occurs.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect total 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