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Total Protein in Serum (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes important proteins like albumin and globulins that help with immunity, fluid balance, and blood clotting.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels can signal health issues like kidney problems, liver disease, or malnutrition."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5981-6
Short code
tPA-PAI1 PPP IA-mCnc
Synonyms
tPA-PAI1 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

Why This Test Matters

Blood proteins play a critical role in maintaining your body’s balance of fluids, supporting immune function, and helping blood clot properly. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or chronic infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your doctor specifies it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for about 15 minutes.

Common Conditions Affecting Results

High protein levels might suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections, while low levels could point to malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

What Your Results Mean

Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your lab. While ranges vary by lab, very high or very low values may trigger further testing to explore underlying causes.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes might lead to abnormal protein levels in my blood?
Abnormal protein levels can result from conditions like kidney disease (which may cause protein to leak into urine), liver disease (which affects protein production), severe infections, or certain cancers (like multiple myeloma). Dietary factors, such as excessive protein intake or malnutrition, can also influence results.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your health history, symptoms, and other lab results. Routine blood tests often include protein checks as part of general health evaluations, but frequency depends on individual needs.
Can diet or lifestyle affect protein test results?
Yes, diet can influence protein levels. Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein may support normal levels, but extreme diets (like very low-protein or high-protein diets) could temporarily alter results. Avoiding excessive alcohol or dehydration may help maintain stable readings.
  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