Serum or plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. It helps assess hydration, liver function, and kidney health.
["Total protein levels can signal dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74487-0
- Short code
- P504S+p63+CK903 Ag Tiss ImStn
- Synonyms
- P504S+p63+CK903 Ag Tiss ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 82553
- 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 affecting protein levels, such as dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), kidney disease, or certain infections. It can also help monitor treatment responses or diagnose nutritional deficiencies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. If you’re fasting, follow your provider’s instructions. For whole blood tests, you may need to avoid certain medications or supplements for a few days beforehand, but this depends on the lab’s protocol. Avoid heavy meals before testing to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis using nephelometry, a method that measures how much light scatters when proteins interact with it.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). High levels may indicate dehydration, protein-losing conditions, or liver disease, while low levels could suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or severe infections. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated total protein levels may suggest conditions like dehydration, severe infections, or certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma). Low levels can indicate malnutrition, liver or kidney disease, or chronic infections. Monitoring protein levels helps diagnose and manage these conditions early. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized insights.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can I Eat or Drink Before the Test?
What If My Results Are Abnormal?
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