Total Protein in Body Fluid (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood or other body fluids, which helps assess overall protein levels and potential issues like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems.
["Your doctor may check protein levels to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting protein balance in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31065-6
- Short code
- PV3 Ab Titr Fld CF
- Synonyms
- PV3 Ab Titr Fld CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- CPT
- 86430
- 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?
Doctors order this test to evaluate conditions such as malnutrition, kidney disease, liver disease, or fluid imbalances. It can also help determine if you’re retaining too much fluid or if your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves a blood draw. If it’s a urine or other fluid sample, follow any specific instructions your doctor provides.
What Happens During the Test?
For blood tests, a healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. For urine or other fluid samples, you may need to collect a sample at home or provide it during a visit. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help identify whether your protein levels are too high or too low. High levels might suggest conditions like dehydration or multiple myeloma, while low levels could indicate malnutrition, liver or kidney disease, or severe infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues. For example, low protein may indicate poor nutrient absorption or organ dysfunction, while elevated levels could point to conditions like dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels?
What causes high protein levels?
Do I need to avoid certain foods before 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