Serum or plasma concentration of total protein (including albumin and globulins)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes both albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and transport nutrients.
["Total protein levels can reflect overall health and help identify conditions affecting blood composition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23791-7
- Short code
- VSNJV NAb Titr Ser Nt
- Synonyms
- VSNJV NAb Titr Ser Nt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- neut
- 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?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, liver problems, or nutritional deficiencies. It can also help diagnose infections, inflammation, or certain cancers.
What Does It Mean If Results Are Abnormal?
Low total protein levels might suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while high levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections. Results alone aren’t diagnostic and are usually interpreted alongside other factors.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or to assess fluid balance in hospitalized patients.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the combined weight of all proteins in the serum or plasma.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels provide a broad overview of protein status in the body. While albumin is the most abundant protein, globulins (like immunoglobulins) also contribute to the total. Abnormalities may signal underlying health issues requiring further investigation, such as protein-losing syndromes or systemic diseases.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a low total protein level mean?
High total protein levels can result from dehydration (reducing fluid dilution), multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), or severe infections (increasing globulin production). Rarely, it may also be seen in conditions like severe burns or certain genetic disorders.
Yes, diet can influence protein levels. High-protein diets may temporarily increase protein levels, while poor nutrition or excessive fluid intake (like water) can lower them. Your provider may adjust recommendations based on your diet and health status.
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