Serum/plasma mass concentration of total protein
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and kidney function.
["Total protein helps evaluate hydration, kidney health, and protein balance in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76039-7
- Short code
- Sol Il2 Recep SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Sol Il2 Recep SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or dehydration. It can also help monitor protein loss due to certain medical conditions or treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast before the test if it’s part of a broader evaluation, but this is not always required for total protein alone. Bring any medications or questions to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The process typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted based on your health history and symptoms. Low protein levels may indicate kidney issues, liver disease, or poor nutrition, while very high levels could suggest conditions like multiple myeloma or severe dehydration.
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, absorption, or excretion. For example, low albumin (a type of protein) is often linked to malnutrition or kidney disease, while elevated levels may signal dehydration or certain cancers.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What does a low or high protein level mean?
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