Total Protein with Albumin/GLOBulin Ratio (Serum)
This test measures the breakdown of total protein in your blood into albumin and globulin fractions, which helps assess protein balance and potential abnormalities in protein production or function.
["Understanding your protein composition can help diagnose conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or immune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58724-6
- Short code
- LPT 5 ug PW Act/Nor Bld
- Synonyms
- LPT 5 ug PW Act/Nor 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, swelling, frequent infections, or changes in how your blood clots. It’s also used to monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or kidney disease.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn, and the protein content is separated into albumin and globulin using electrophoresis. The ratio helps identify shifts in protein distribution that may indicate underlying health issues.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Abnormal ratios can signal conditions like chronic liver disease, kidney disease, infections, or autoimmune disorders. High globulin levels may suggest inflammation or immune system activity, while low albumin could indicate malnutrition or liver dysfunction.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about medications (especially blood thinners) or recent illnesses that might affect results.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Protein Electrophoresis Ratio
Frequently asked questions
How might my protein ratio results affect my treatment?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can diet or lifestyle changes impact 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