Total Protein with Albumin/Globulin Ratio (Serum)
This test measures your blood’s total protein and evaluates the balance between albumin and globulin proteins, which can help assess liver function, nutritional status, and immune response.
["Your blood proteins may signal health issues like liver disease, malnutrition, or immune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56026-8
- Short code
- PZA Islt Slgr Mcbct AB300.0
- Synonyms
- PZA Islt Slgr Mcbct AB300.0
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria-antibiotic-concentration-at-ug-ml
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
Total protein reflects the combined weight of albumin and globulin in your serum. Albumin, produced by your liver, helps maintain fluid balance and carries nutrients. Globulins, including antibodies and other proteins, support immunity and transport substances. The ratio between these proteins can indicate underlying conditions.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), kidney problems, malnutrition, infections, or autoimmune diseases. It can also help assess fluid retention or protein loss in urine.
Common Conditions Monitored
High total protein or globulin levels might suggest chronic inflammation, infections, or certain cancers. Low albumin could signal liver failure, kidney disease, or severe malnutrition. Abnormal ratios may point to conditions affecting protein synthesis or loss.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample will be drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it typically takes a few minutes to complete.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides critical insights into protein metabolism, immune function, and organ health. While not diagnostic alone, it often guides further testing (e.g., liver function panels, albumin-specific tests) to pinpoint causes of abnormal results.
Short name
Total Protein Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I don’t have symptoms?
What does a ‘high’ or ‘low’ protein result mean?
Can diet affect 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