Albumin and Total Protein Electrophoresis (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the levels of albumin and total protein in your blood using an electrophoresis method to separate different protein components.
Electrophoresis helps assess protein balance and potential abnormalities in blood proteins.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7446-8
- Short code
- Lactalb BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Synonyms
- Lactalb BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- lhr
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Proteins Does This Test Measure?
Albumin is a key protein that helps maintain fluid balance in your body. Total protein includes all proteins in your blood, such as albumin, globulins, and other smaller proteins. Electrophoresis further breaks down these proteins into fractions, which can help identify specific types of proteins or abnormalities.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain types of infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor diseases affecting protein levels, such as multiple myeloma or certain autoimmune disorders.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed and separated using an electric field to move proteins based on their size and charge. Results are analyzed to determine the distribution of different protein types.
What Are Common Reasons for Abnormal Results?
Low albumin or abnormal protein patterns may indicate conditions like severe kidney disease, liver failure, or malnutrition. High levels of certain protein fractions might suggest inflammation, infections, or other systemic issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin and total protein electrophoresis is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect protein metabolism. It helps identify imbalances that may not be detected by standard protein tests alone, guiding treatment decisions for conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or certain cancers.
Short name
Albumin/Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does the electrophoresis pattern tell me about my health?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything 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