Total Protein with Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures your total protein levels in your blood and evaluates the balance between albumin and globulin proteins, which can help assess overall protein status and potential immune or liver function issues.
["Understanding your blood protein balance helps identify conditions affecting protein synthesis, breakdown, or immune function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5983-2
- Short code
- tPA-PAI1 10M PPP IA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- tPA-PAI1 10M PPP IA-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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
What Does Total Protein Measure?
Total protein includes both albumin and globulin proteins, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients. Albumin, the most abundant protein, helps regulate blood pressure and fluid distribution, while globulins play a role in immune defense and transport of substances like hormones and metals.
How Is the Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Used?
The albumin-to-globulin ratio compares the amount of albumin to globulin proteins. A higher albumin-to-globulin ratio may suggest healthy protein synthesis, while a lower ratio could indicate conditions like chronic inflammation, liver disease, or malnutrition.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate protein metabolism, diagnose conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or chronic infections, or monitor treatment responses for conditions affecting protein levels.
What Can Abnormal Results Indicate?
Low total protein or an abnormal ratio might signal conditions such as malnutrition, liver or kidney disease, chronic infections, or inflammatory disorders. High levels may rarely suggest dehydration or certain genetic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein levels or ratios can reflect underlying health issues, including impaired liver function (affecting albumin production), immune system dysfunction (globulin-related), or fluid balance disturbances. Early detection helps guide treatment for conditions like cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases, or severe infections.
Short name
Protein Profile with AG Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
How is this test performed?
What are common reference ranges?
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