Serum or plasma concentration of total protein (qualitative screening)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins are essential for carrying nutrients, fighting infections, and maintaining fluid balance in your body.
["Assessing your blood protein levels can help identify conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33886-3
- Short code
- PT 2h p 1:4 NP PPP Cont
- Synonyms
- PT 2h p 1:4 NP PPP Cont
- 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 screening test to check for overall protein levels in your blood. It can help detect signs of conditions such as malnutrition, kidney disease, liver disease, or certain infections. Sometimes, it’s also used as part of a general health evaluation or to monitor treatment progress.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure the total protein content. The result is reported as a qualitative screening (qualitative) rather than a specific numeric value, meaning it indicates whether protein levels are within expected ranges or if further testing may be needed.
What Are Common Reasons for Abnormal Results?
Low protein levels might suggest conditions like severe malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems. High protein levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), or certain infections. Your provider will discuss these findings with you and may recommend additional tests for further evaluation.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Results from this screening test are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on your lab’s processing times. If your provider orders a confirmatory test or further evaluation, the timeline may vary.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein (Screen)
Frequently asked questions
What factors could affect my protein levels?
Will I need to prepare for this test?
Can I have my protein levels checked at home?
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