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Total Protein in Serum (or Plasma)

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 that help with immunity, blood clotting, and maintaining fluid balance.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels help doctors assess hydration, nutrition, and overall health."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6561-5
Short code
T palldm IgG Ser Ql
Synonyms
T palldm IgG Ser Ql
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?

Doctors may order this test to check for conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, liver problems, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor treatments for certain illnesses.

What Does It Measure?

The test measures the combined weight of all proteins in your blood serum or plasma, typically expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL).

How Is It Collected?

A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum (after clotting) or plasma (before clotting) for testing.

What Are Common Results?

Results are compared to general reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. Abnormally high or low levels may signal underlying health concerns.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Total protein levels can indicate several health conditions. Low levels may suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while high levels could point to dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low total protein levels?
Low protein levels may result from poor nutrition, liver or kidney disease, chronic infections, or conditions that affect protein production in the body.
What causes high total protein levels?
High protein levels can occur with dehydration, severe infections, certain cancers (like multiple myeloma), or conditions that cause excessive protein production.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often this test is needed based on your health status, symptoms, or ongoing treatments. Follow their guidance.
  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