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Total Protein in Serum/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, support immunity, and transport nutrients.

Quick summary

["Total protein levels can indicate overall health, kidney function, or nutritional status."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
40845-0
Short code
Turkey Meat IgE/IgE total %
Synonyms
Turkey Meat IgE/IgE total %
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 It’s Done

Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, liver problems, or certain infections. It can also help monitor long-term health in people with chronic illnesses.

What to Expect

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The test involves sending a small amount of your blood to a lab for analysis.

How It Works

The lab uses a method called turbidimetry to measure how much protein is present in your blood. This involves mixing your blood sample with a solution that reacts to protein levels, creating a measurable change.

Normal vs. Abnormal Results

While specific reference ranges can vary by lab, lower than expected protein levels might suggest malnutrition, kidney disease, or severe infections. Higher levels could indicate dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal protein levels?
Abnormal protein levels can result from conditions affecting protein production (e.g., liver disease), protein loss (e.g., kidney disease), or increased protein synthesis (e.g., inflammation or infections). Your doctor will consider your symptoms and other test results to determine the cause.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will decide how often to repeat this test based on your health condition, symptoms, and medical history. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have chronic illnesses like kidney disease or liver disease.
Can diet affect protein test results?
Yes, diet can influence protein levels. Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein may help maintain normal levels, but extreme diets (like very low-protein or high-protein diets) could temporarily affect results. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding diet and 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