Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Total protein helps assess liver function, nutritional status, and kidney health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28010-7
- Short code
- REPORTTOTAL
- Synonyms
- —
- 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?
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or certain immune disorders. It can also help monitor treatments for these conditions.
What Does It Measure?
The test measures the combined weight of all proteins in your blood serum, including albumin, globulins, and other proteins like fibrinogen. These proteins play key roles in maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients and hormones.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your doctor’s instructions.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). While specific reference ranges vary by lab, lower or higher than expected levels may signal underlying health issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
Low total protein levels may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or conditions affecting protein synthesis. High levels can sometimes suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory diseases. Monitoring protein levels helps guide treatment decisions for chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver disorders.
A low total protein level could signal conditions like liver disease (reducing albumin production), kidney problems (losing protein in urine), or severe malnutrition. Your doctor may recommend further tests to identify the cause, such as checking albumin or other protein fractions separately.
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health status and any conditions being monitored. Regular tests may be part of managing chronic illnesses like kidney disease or liver disorders, but frequency varies by individual needs.
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