Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes proteins like albumin and globulins that help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels can reflect overall health and help identify conditions like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98212-4
- Short code
- Reag Ab + T pall IgG + IgM + tot Pnl Ser
- Synonyms
- Reag Ab + T pall IgG + IgM + tot Pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 Total Protein Measure?
Total protein includes several types of proteins, such as albumin (which helps keep fluids in your blood vessels) and globulins (which support immune function and transport substances). These proteins are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance, supporting your immune system, and transporting vitamins, hormones, and other important substances in your blood.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein production or loss, such as liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or certain immune disorders. It can also help monitor fluid balance in people with heart or kidney problems.
Common Reasons for Testing
Common reasons include evaluating symptoms like swelling (edema), unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or signs of organ dysfunction. It may also be part of routine health checks or follow-up for chronic conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from a vein. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any medications you’re currently taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How are protein levels interpreted?
Can protein levels change over time?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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