Serum/plasma mass concentration of total protein
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum or plasma, which helps assess overall protein levels in your body.
["Total protein helps check for conditions affecting protein balance, like kidney disease or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48662-1
- Short code
- LPT PHA Bld-Rto
- Synonyms
- LPT PHA Bld-Rto
- 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 evaluate kidney function, detect liver disease, identify malnutrition, or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease or protein-losing syndromes. It can also help diagnose conditions like nephrotic syndrome or certain infections.
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 involves drawing blood. Avoid strenuous activity or certain medications that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort during the draw.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Results are compared to standard ranges, but exact values depend on lab methods. Low protein levels may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while very high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or 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 is a key marker for assessing protein synthesis and loss. Low levels often signal underlying conditions like cirrhosis, kidney disease, or severe infections, while elevated levels may reflect dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers. Monitoring protein levels helps guide treatment for conditions affecting protein balance.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications affect my total protein test results?
Is fasting required for 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