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  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
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Explore this test

Test Code 1027

Test Details

Total Protein

Total protein is a measure of albumin—the main protein in the blood produced by the liver and globulins which include enzymes, antibodies, hormones, carrier proteins.

Methodology

Colorimetric

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 28 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

Total Protein

  • Low: <6.3 g/dL
  • Normal: 6.3-7.7 g/dL
  • High: >7.7 g/dL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Total Protein

  • Elevated levels could indicate dehydration or high levels of albumin and/or globulin as a result of chronic inflammation or infections such as viral hepatitis or HIV. May be associated with bone marrow disorders such as multiple myeloma
  • Low total protein levels can indicate a liver or kidney disorder, malnutrition, malabsorption, celiac or inflammatory bowel disorder.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Total Protein

Treatment is based on the etiology of elevation.

Clinical Significance