Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Your blood protein levels help assess overall health and detect potential issues like malnutrition or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 65774-2
- Short code
- Wheat (nTri a) aA/TI IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Wheat (nTri a) aA/TI IgE Qn
- 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
What Is Total Protein?
Total protein is a measure of all proteins combined in your blood, including albumin (the most abundant protein) and globulins (proteins involved in immune function). These proteins play key roles in maintaining fluid balance, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune responses.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or certain immune disorders. It can also help monitor treatment progress for conditions affecting protein levels.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken 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 Do Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a concentration in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may suggest malnutrition or liver/kidney issues, while high levels could indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or dehydration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels can indicate underlying health issues such as chronic liver disease (reduced albumin), chronic kidney disease (protein loss in urine), or certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma). Low protein levels may also reflect poor nutrition or severe infections, while elevated levels could signal dehydration or inflammatory conditions.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
How often should I get 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