Serum/plasma mass concentration of total protein by electrophoresis
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and kidney function.
["Total protein levels can signal kidney issues or protein loss from other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90800-4
- Short code
- T4 6h p levo SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- T4 6h p levo SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302345006
- 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 doctor may order this test to check for kidney problems (like kidney disease or kidney failure), to monitor protein loss from conditions such as liver disease, or to evaluate nutritional status. It can also help diagnose conditions where proteins are abnormally present or missing, such as certain types of kidney disease or malnutrition.
What Does the Result Mean?
Higher-than-normal results may indicate conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or dehydration. Lower-than-normal results could suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or conditions causing excessive protein loss (e.g., burns, severe infections). However, results alone don’t diagnose a condition—your doctor will consider your full medical picture.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma (the liquid part without clots) for testing. This sample is sent to a lab for electrophoresis, a method that separates proteins based on size and charge.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Abnormal protein levels can stem from medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or inflammatory disorders. Medications, dietary factors, or recent illness (e.g., infections) may also affect results. Always discuss any symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-12.0 μg/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein is a key marker for evaluating protein balance in the body. Low levels may reflect inadequate protein intake, kidney dysfunction, or conditions causing protein loss (e.g., nephrotic syndrome). High levels can signal dehydration, liver disease, or overproduction of certain proteins. Monitoring trends over time helps track disease progression or response to treatment.
Short name
Total Protein (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a total protein test measure?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect my total protein test 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