Skip to content

Serum or plasma total protein concentration

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

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immune function, and transport nutrients.

Quick summary

["Your blood protein levels can signal health issues or help guide treatment plans."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
100655-0
Short code
XR ST Lat
Synonyms
XR ST Lat
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
xr
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

Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions such as multiple myeloma, severe dehydration, or inflammatory diseases.

What to Expect

A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually at a lab or doctor’s office. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to determine protein concentration. Results are typically ready within 24 hours.

How It Works

The test measures the overall protein content in your blood plasma or serum using a method like nephelometry or turbidimetry, which detects how proteins scatter light.

Possible Results & Next Steps

Low protein levels might indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems, while high levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions. Your doctor will discuss results with you and may recommend follow-up tests or treatments.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Abnormal total protein levels can signal underlying health problems, such as chronic kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or conditions affecting protein synthesis or loss. It’s often used as a baseline or monitoring tool for conditions where protein balance is critical.

Short name

Total Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes low protein levels?
Low protein levels can result from conditions like kidney disease (where proteins are lost in urine), liver disease (which affects protein production), malnutrition, severe infections, or certain cancers like multiple myeloma. Dehydration or rapid weight loss may also contribute.
What causes high protein levels?
High protein levels can occur with dehydration (since blood volume is reduced), multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), or certain inflammatory diseases. Rarely, it may also be seen in conditions like severe burns or certain autoimmune disorders.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your health status. Your doctor may recommend this test periodically if you have a condition like kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. If you’re healthy, it’s usually not routinely ordered unless you have symptoms or risk factors.
  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