Total Protein in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes important substances like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Total protein levels can indicate overall health and help diagnose conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39597-0
- Short code
- Pumpkin IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Pumpkin IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Protein is vital for many bodily functions, including wound healing, immune defense, and maintaining proper fluid balance in tissues. Low levels may suggest malnutrition, kidney issues, or liver dysfunction, while high levels could indicate dehydration, inflammation, or certain medical conditions.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, typically during a routine office visit or lab visit. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting), and the protein content is measured using a specialized laboratory technique.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Your results may be affected by conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, infections, or recent illness. Certain medications, dietary changes, or hydration status can also influence protein levels.
What Your Results Mean
Interpreting your results requires a conversation with your healthcare provider. They’ll consider your overall health, other test results, and symptoms to determine if your protein levels are within a normal range or if further investigation is needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are often checked as part of a broader health assessment. Low protein levels may signal underlying issues like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while elevated levels could point to dehydration, inflammation, or other metabolic disturbances. Your provider may use these results to guide treatment decisions or monitor chronic conditions.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can affect my protein test results?
Is there anything I should do to prepare for 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