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Total Protein in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)

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 maintain fluid balance and support immune function.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels can indicate overall health and help diagnose conditions like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47237-3
Short code
T palldm IgM Ser Ql IA
Synonyms
T palldm IgM Ser Ql IA
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia
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 affecting protein production, such as liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), kidney disease, malnutrition, or certain infections. It can also help monitor long-term health in people with chronic illnesses.

What Does It Measure?

The test measures the combined weight of all proteins in your blood, including albumin (which helps keep fluids in your blood vessels) and globulins (which support immune function). Protein levels can vary based on hydration, diet, and health conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a larger blood panel, but this is not always required for a standalone total protein test.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The process is quick and usually causes only mild discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Low total protein levels may signal malnutrition, liver disease, kidney failure, or excessive fluid loss (e.g., from diarrhea or vomiting). High levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), or severe inflammation. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full medical history and other test results.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low total protein levels?
Low protein levels can result from conditions like liver disease (reducing albumin production), kidney disease (losing protein in urine), severe malnutrition, or chronic infections. Dehydration can also temporarily raise protein concentration due to reduced blood volume, but this is less likely to be the primary cause of low levels unless severe.
What does it mean if my protein levels are high?
Elevated protein levels are less common but can occur with dehydration (though this is often a false elevation due to concentrated blood), multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), or severe inflammation. If your doctor suspects a medical issue, they may order additional tests to investigate.
Can diet affect my protein test results?
Yes, diet can influence protein levels. A high-protein diet may temporarily raise blood protein concentration, while malnutrition or low-protein diets can lower them. If your doctor suspects dietary factors, they may recommend dietary adjustments or further testing.
  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