Total Serum Protein with 24-Hour Rate of Change (Qualitative)
This test measures your total protein level in serum and evaluates how quickly your protein levels may change over 24 hours.
["Understanding your protein levels and trends can help identify potential health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80464-1
- Short code
- Protein servings 24h nRate Measured
- Synonyms
- Protein servings 24h nRate Measured
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 17
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- measured
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
Total serum protein includes all proteins found in your blood, such as albumin, globulins, and other proteins like fibrinogen. The rate of change measures how much your protein levels may fluctuate over a 24-hour period, which can be important for detecting conditions affecting protein synthesis, breakdown, or retention in your body.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment responses or assess fluid balance in patients with conditions like heart failure or edema.
Common Conditions Monitored
Changes in total protein levels can signal underlying health issues. For example, low protein levels might indicate malabsorption, severe liver disease, or chronic kidney disease, while high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The serum portion is then analyzed to determine total protein concentration and the rate of change over 24 hours. This test is usually performed using a qualitative method to assess trends rather than specific numeric values.
Reference range
NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
While this test does not provide absolute numeric ranges, qualitative trends in protein levels and their rate of change can be critical. For instance, a consistently low or rising rate of change may prompt further investigation into conditions affecting protein metabolism. Your healthcare provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 'rate of change' in this test mean?
How often is this test repeated?
Can diet affect the results of 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy