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Serum/plasma mass concentration of total protein

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

This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and kidney function.

Quick summary

["Total protein helps diagnose kidney issues and check for protein loss in urine or malnutrition."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53230-9
Short code
PT imm 1:4 NP Cont PPP
Synonyms
PT imm 1:4 NP Cont 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-immediately-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 this test to evaluate kidney function, detect protein loss (such as in nephrotic syndrome), or check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, or certain cancers. It can also help monitor long-term health in chronic illnesses.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw at a clinic, hospital, or lab. If you’re on dialysis, your doctor may schedule this test during your treatment.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate liver disease, dehydration, or certain infections. Lower-than-normal levels could signal malnutrition, kidney disease, or severe burns. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health history.

Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose

This test supports diagnosing kidney disorders (like nephrotic syndrome), liver problems, malnutrition, or conditions affecting protein synthesis (e.g., severe burns). It’s also used to monitor chronic illnesses.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: plasma

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

Frequently asked questions

What does a ‘normal’ total protein level mean for me?
There’s no single ‘normal’ range—it varies by age, health, and lab. Your doctor will compare your result to your baseline and overall health to determine if it’s within expected limits or requires further investigation.
Can diet affect my total protein test results?
Yes, diet can influence protein levels. High-protein diets or malnutrition may raise or lower results, respectively. If your doctor suspects diet-related changes, they may recommend retesting after adjusting your intake.
Is this test the same as albumin or globulin tests?
No, this test measures total protein (albumin + globulins). Albumin and globulin tests break down total protein into specific protein types, often used together for more detailed health assessments.
  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