Serum/plasma mass concentration of protein (e.g., albumin, globulin, or total protein)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes important proteins like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Total protein levels can indicate overall health, hydration status, or potential protein-related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96261-3
- Short code
- PT 1h p 1:1 NP PPP
- Synonyms
- PT 1h p 1:1 NP PPP
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- coag-tissue-factor-induced-factor-substitution-h-post-incubation-after-addition-of-normal-plasma
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or dehydration. It can also help monitor chronic diseases or assess how well your body is retaining fluids.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that could affect 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’s generally quick and not painful. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Lower than expected levels may suggest malnutrition, kidney or liver disease, or excessive fluid loss. Higher levels could indicate dehydration or conditions like multiple myeloma.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are a simple but useful marker. Low levels often point to systemic issues like protein-losing gastrointestinal disorders, liver dysfunction, or kidney disease. High levels may signal dehydration, inflammation, or rare conditions like paraproteinemia. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Total Protein (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
How often should I get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy