Total Protein in Serum
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood serum. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.
["Your blood protein levels help doctors assess overall health and detect potential issues like malnutrition or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63141-6
- Short code
- Yogurt IgG-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Yogurt IgG-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein production, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor treatments for conditions like inflammatory diseases or infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your provider specifies it, but this is not always required. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, using a needle. The blood is then processed to separate serum, which is analyzed for protein content.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate conditions like severe malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems. High levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain medical conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low total protein levels can signal underlying health issues, such as liver dysfunction (reducing protein synthesis), kidney disease (losing protein in urine), or chronic infections. High levels may reflect dehydration, inflammation, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Regular monitoring is important for patients with ongoing health conditions like cirrhosis or kidney disease.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels?
What causes high 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