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Serum or plasma total protein concentration (mass concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.

Quick summary

["Total protein levels can help diagnose conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, or malnutrition."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10508-0
Short code
PSA Tiss Ql ImStn
Synonyms
PSA Tiss Ql ImStn
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
4
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
immune-stain
CPT
84153
SNOMED
39392002
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

Total protein is a key indicator of overall health, especially in conditions that affect the kidneys or liver. Low levels may suggest malnutrition, severe infections, or organ dysfunction, while high levels could indicate dehydration, inflammation, or certain diseases like multiple myeloma.

What to Expect During the Test

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to determine protein concentration. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your specific test instructions.

Common Conditions Monitored

Doctors use total protein tests to monitor kidney function (e.g., kidney disease), liver health (e.g., cirrhosis), or to assess nutritional status in patients who may not be eating enough.

Potential Causes of Abnormal Results

Low protein levels might be due to poor diet, kidney disease, liver failure, or conditions that cause excessive protein loss (e.g., heavy sweating or diarrhea). High protein levels could result from dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers.

Reference range

Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What might cause my total protein test result to be different from what’s expected?
Several factors can influence your results, including recent illness, medications, or even the timing of your blood draw. If you suspect an underlying condition, discuss your results with your healthcare provider—they can help determine if further testing is needed.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Most often, no special preparation is required, but your doctor may ask you to fast or avoid certain foods for a few hours before the test. Always follow their instructions to ensure accurate results.
Could this test interact with other medications?
Total protein tests are generally safe and don’t typically interact with medications. However, if you’re on long-term treatments (like steroids or chemotherapy), your doctor may want to monitor your protein levels closely.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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