Total Protein in Serum (Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which helps assess overall protein status and potential conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction.
["Your blood protein levels can signal health risks or nutritional needs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 62440-3
- Short code
- nRBC Fld Auto-Rto
- Synonyms
- nRBC Fld Auto-Rto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- automated-count
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 It Matters in Your Health
Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including tissue repair, immune support, and maintaining fluid balance. Low protein levels may indicate poor nutrition, kidney problems, or chronic illness, while high levels could signal dehydration or certain liver conditions.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The sample is processed to measure total protein using a sensitive immunoassay method. Results are typically available within a few days.
Common Conditions Affecting Protein Levels
Elevated protein levels might be seen in dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections. Low protein levels can occur with kidney disease, liver failure, or conditions like celiac disease or severe burns.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is needed. However, inform your healthcare provider about any medications, recent illnesses, or conditions that might affect results, such as kidney disease or liver issues.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are a simple yet important marker. They help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting protein synthesis, absorption, or excretion. For example, low albumin (a major protein) is often linked to malnutrition or kidney disease, while abnormal globulin levels may indicate immune system disorders or infections.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect my protein test results?
What if my test results are out of the expected range?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy