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Total Protein (Serum)

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

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes important proteins like albumin and globulins.

Quick summary

["Total protein helps assess overall protein status and potential nutritional or liver issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
9938-2
Short code
Q wave dur L-AVL
Synonyms
Q wave dur L-AVL
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ekg
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, liver disease, kidney problems, or certain infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease or inflammatory disorders.

What Does a Low or High Protein Level Mean?

Low protein levels might indicate poor nutrition, liver or kidney disease, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from wounds or kidney filters). High protein levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain liver or kidney disorders.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum (the liquid part after clotting) and analyzed in a lab to measure total protein content.

What Are Common Reference Ranges?

Reference ranges vary by lab, but typical values for adults usually fall between 6.4 and 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL). These ranges can differ slightly based on age, sex, and health status.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Total protein levels are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect protein synthesis, absorption, or loss. For example, low protein levels can signal malnutrition or organ dysfunction, while abnormal high levels may point to underlying metabolic or systemic disorders requiring further investigation.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low protein levels in the blood?
Low protein levels can be caused by conditions like liver disease (reducing protein production), kidney disease (losing protein in urine), severe malnutrition, or conditions causing excessive protein loss (e.g., burns, chronic wounds). Certain infections or inflammatory diseases may also affect protein levels.
What are the symptoms of abnormal protein levels?
Symptoms of low protein levels may include swelling (edema), fatigue, weight loss, or frequent infections. High protein levels might cause symptoms like dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine), rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight gain. However, many people may not have noticeable symptoms until levels are severely abnormal.
How often should I get this test?
Your healthcare provider will determine how often you need this test based on your health status, symptoms, and any ongoing conditions. Regular monitoring may be recommended if you have chronic illnesses like kidney disease or liver problems.
  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