Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Total Protein
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
- 35946-3
- Short code
- MRA TA + AA
- Synonyms
- MRA TA + AA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- 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 like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or protein loss due to conditions such as burns or chronic illness. It can also help monitor treatment responses in certain cases.
What Does a Result Mean?
Higher-than-normal levels might indicate conditions like dehydration, liver disease, or inflammation. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from burns or kidney filtration issues). Results are interpreted in relation to your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor kidney function, detect liver disease, or evaluate protein loss in conditions like nephrotic syndrome or severe infections.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum (liquid after clotting) or plasma (liquid before clotting) for testing. This test does not require fasting unless specified by your provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
Total protein levels can reflect the balance between protein synthesis and loss in your body. Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation for underlying conditions affecting protein metabolism, such as liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or chronic inflammation.
Will I need to prepare for this test? No special preparation is usually needed, but your provider may advise against certain medications or activities if directed.
Can I ask about my results in person? Yes, discuss your results with your healthcare provider during your follow-up visit to understand what they mean for your health.
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