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Serum/plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes important substances like albumin and globulins.

Quick summary

["Total protein helps assess overall protein balance and potential liver or kidney issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
112322-3
Short code
T palldm Ab & RUBV IgG Pnl Ser
Synonyms
T palldm Ab & RUBV IgG Pnl Ser
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
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 affecting protein production, such as liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor treatment responses or diagnose certain disorders like multiple myeloma or severe infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know to avoid excessive bruising.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal results may suggest conditions like dehydration, severe liver disease, or overproduction of certain proteins. Lower-than-normal results could indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or protein-losing disorders.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to monitor liver function, kidney health, and protein metabolism. It may also be part of routine checks for chronic conditions like heart failure or autoimmune diseases.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Total protein levels can reflect systemic health. Low levels may indicate malnutrition or organ dysfunction, while elevated levels could signal dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low total protein levels?
Low total protein levels can result from conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, severe malnutrition, or protein-losing gastrointestinal disorders. It may also occur in cases of excessive protein loss (e.g., from burns or kidney filtration issues).
What causes high total protein levels?
High total protein levels can be due to dehydration, severe infections, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), or certain inflammatory conditions. Rarely, it may also occur with overproduction of globulins in autoimmune diseases.
How often should this test be repeated?
Frequency depends on your condition. If this test is part of monitoring a chronic illness (e.g., kidney disease or liver issues), your provider may schedule follow-ups every few months or as needed. For routine checks, it’s often done once yearly unless symptoms arise.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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