Total Protein

About Test

The Total Protein assay evaluates the concentration of total protein in the blood, which consists mainly of albumin and globulin. This test is essential for assessing overall nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and detecting various medical conditions. Elevated total protein levels may indicate dehydration, chronic inflammation, certain cancers, or autoimmune disorders such as multiple myeloma. Conversely, low total protein levels could signify malnutrition, liver or kidney disease, or conditions affecting protein absorption or synthesis. Total protein levels are often interpreted alongside other blood tests to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient's health. Doctors commonly order total protein testing as part of routine health check-ups, preoperative assessments, or when investigating symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Sample Requirements

Gold SST Tube

Stability

Serum: 6 days 4-25°C 28 days 4-8°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Gold SST Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences (<10% up to)

Ascorbic acid: 30 mg/dL

Bilirubin: 60 mg/dL

Hemoglobin: 500 mg/dL

Lipemia: 1000 mg/dL

Other: In serum or plasma of patients who have received large intravenous amounts of polydextrans, too high values can be measured.
Rarely, gammopathy, may cause unreliable results.

Reference Range (g/L):

< 8 days: 44.0-76.0 / 8 days - 2 years: 51.0 -73.0 / 2 - 3 years: 56.0-75.0 / 3 – 18 years: 55.0 -80.0 / Adult: 60.0 – 80.0

Critical Value:

Not Applicable