Total Protein (Serum)
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help transport nutrients, fight infections, and maintain fluid balance in your body.
["Your blood protein levels can signal health issues like dehydration, liver disease, or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35986-9
- Short code
- XR tomo Femur-Bl
- Synonyms
- XR tomo Femur-Bl
- 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-tomography
- 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 This Test Is Done
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions affecting your liver, kidneys, immune system, or overall hydration. It can also help diagnose or monitor diseases like multiple myeloma, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol 12 hours before the test to ensure accurate results. Stay hydrated unless instructed otherwise.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal protein levels might indicate conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or dehydration. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest kidney disease, malnutrition, or severe infections. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor liver function, kidney health, immune function, and fluid balance. It may also help track protein-losing conditions or responses to treatments like chemotherapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated total protein levels can signal conditions such as chronic inflammation, certain cancers (like multiple myeloma), or severe dehydration. Low protein levels may indicate kidney disease, liver failure, severe infections, or malnutrition. Your doctor will use these results alongside other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment plans.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes high protein levels in blood?
What does it mean if my protein levels are low?
Can diet affect my protein test results?
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