Total Serum Protein (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes both albumin and globulin proteins essential for maintaining fluid balance, immune function, and tissue repair.
["Your blood protein levels help your body stay healthy by supporting circulation and immune defense."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61311-7
- Short code
- Saltwort IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Saltwort IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- 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 reflects the combined weight of all proteins in your serum, including albumin (which helps transport nutrients and maintain blood pressure) and globulins (which support immune function and blood clotting). This test is often used to assess hydration status, liver function, kidney function, and overall protein synthesis.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, dehydration, or certain immune disorders. It can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part without clotting factors), and the protein content is measured using a specialized laboratory technique.
What Are Common Results and What Do They Mean?
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may indicate malnutrition, liver or kidney disease, or excessive fluid loss, while high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are important for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting protein synthesis, fluid balance, or organ function. Abnormal results may prompt further testing to identify underlying causes, such as liver enzymes or kidney function tests.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy