Serum or Plasma Total Protein by Bromocresol Purple Photometric Method
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Total protein helps assess overall protein balance and kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14306-5
- Short code
- VZV IgG sp1 Ser IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- VZV IgG sp1 Ser IA-aCnc
- 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?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like nephrotic syndrome or protein-losing disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to determine the total protein concentration.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Higher-than-normal protein levels might suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or conditions that cause excessive protein production. Lower-than-normal levels could indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or severe burns.
How Is This Test Performed?
The test uses a photometric method with bromocresol purple dye to measure protein concentration in your serum or plasma. The dye binds to proteins, and the lab measures how much light is absorbed to calculate the protein amount.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are important for diagnosing and managing several health conditions. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers. Reduced levels can signal malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or severe infections. Monitoring protein levels helps guide treatment plans for conditions like kidney disease or liver disorders.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes high total protein levels?
What causes low total protein levels?
How often should I expect to have this test?
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