Serum or plasma protein concentration (total)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and globulins. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, such as maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune responses.
["Your blood protein levels help assess hydration, liver function, and overall protein status."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57442-6
- Short code
- Specimen vol p conc Smn
- Synonyms
- Specimen vol p conc Smn
- Category
- chemistry
- 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 It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein production, such as liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like edema (fluid retention), severe infections, or certain cancers.
What to Expect
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it shouldn’t cause significant discomfort. The test is quick and typically done in a doctor’s office or lab.
Common Conditions Monitored
High protein levels might indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe burns. Low protein levels can signal liver disease, kidney failure, or malnutrition. Your results will be compared to your health history and other tests for accurate interpretation.
What the Results Mean
Your results will be reported as a numerical value representing the total protein concentration in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal results may trigger further testing to identify underlying causes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my protein test results?
If your results are outside normal ranges, your doctor will discuss them with you. They may recommend additional tests, lifestyle changes, or treatments based on the cause—such as adjusting medications, improving diet, or managing chronic conditions like kidney disease.
For most protein tests, you can eat and drink normally. However, if your doctor specifies fasting requirements (e.g., for other related tests), follow their instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
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