Serum or plasma concentration of total protein (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein status and kidney function.
["Total protein levels can signal kidney health or protein loss from other sources."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61353-9
- Short code
- LPT 10 ug PHA Bld
- Synonyms
- LPT 10 ug PHA Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or protein loss due to conditions like burns or chronic illness. It can also help monitor treatment responses or diagnose unexplained weight loss or swelling.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. 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 slight pinch, but the procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while very high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are a key marker for assessing protein balance in the body. Low protein levels can signal kidney dysfunction (e.g., nephrotic syndrome), liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), or severe malnutrition. High protein levels may reflect dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers. Monitoring these levels helps guide treatment for underlying conditions and supports long-term health management.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a low total protein result mean?
What does a high total protein result mean?
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