Plasma or serum concentration of total protein
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Total protein helps assess your body’s protein balance and can signal potential health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33894-7
- Short code
- PT 1h p 1:4 NP PPP
- Synonyms
- PT 1h p 1:4 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 doctor may order a total protein test to check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or certain infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor diseases like multiple myeloma or autoimmune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your test is part of a larger panel. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Do Results Mean?
Higher-than-normal protein levels might indicate conditions like dehydration, multiple myeloma, or inflammatory diseases. Lower-than-normal levels could signal malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
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.
Clinical Significance: Total protein levels can reflect underlying health conditions. For example, low protein may signal malnutrition or organ dysfunction, while high protein could indicate chronic inflammation or blood disorders. Regular monitoring helps track disease progression or treatment effectiveness.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect this test?
Is this test painful?
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