Serum/plasma mass concentration of total protein
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Total protein helps assess overall protein balance and potential nutritional or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9930-9
- Short code
- Q wave Dpth L-III
- Synonyms
- Q wave Dpth L-III
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- ekg
- 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 test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or certain infections. It can also help evaluate fluid balance or diagnose conditions like edema (swelling) or protein-losing syndromes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re using blood thinners, let your provider know beforehand.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes to complete.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Low protein levels may indicate poor nutrition, kidney or liver disease, or excessive protein loss. High levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma.
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.
Abnormal protein levels can signal underlying health issues. Low protein may point to malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or liver dysfunction, while high protein could indicate dehydration, severe infections, or certain cancers. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels?
What causes high protein levels?
How often should I get 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