| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A test that measures the total amount of protein in serum (serum is the fluid portion of blood, without fibrinogen ). |
| Alternative Names | TP |
| How the test is performed | Blood is drawn from a vein ( venipuncture ) or a capillary. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the serum from the cells. The total protein test is done on serum. |
| How to prepare for the test | Your health care provider may instruct you to withhold certain drugs that can affect the test. Drugs that can increase total protein measurements include anabolic steroids, androgens, corticosteroids, dextran, growth hormone , insulin, phenazopyridine, and progesterone. Drugs that can decrease total protein measurements include ammonium ions, estrogens, hepatotoxic drugs, and oral contraceptives. |
| How the test will feel | |
| Why the test is performed | Total protein is a rough measure of serum protein . Protein measurements can reflect nutritional state, kidney disease , liver disease , and many other conditions. If total protein is abnormal, further tests must be performed to identify which protein fraction, and then which specific protein, is abnormal. Proteins are important constituents of all cells and tissues. Proteins are made from amino acids . There are many different kinds of proteins in the body with many different functions. Enzymes, some hormones, hemoglobin (oxygen transport), LDL ( cholesterol transport), fibrinogen (blood clotting), collagen (structure of bone and cartilage), immunoglobulins ( antibodies ) are some examples of proteins. Serum proteins are grossly separated into albumin and globulins. That is, total protein equals albumin plus globulin. Globulins are roughly divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. Albumin is the protein of highest concentration in the serum (plasma is serum plus fibrinogen). Albumin is a carrier of many small molecules, but is also of prime importance in maintaining the osmotic pressure of the blood (that is, keeping the fluid from leaking out into the tissues). |
| Normal Values | The normal range is 6.0 to 8.3 gm/dl. Note: gm/dl = grams per deciliter Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. |
| What abnormal results mean | Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:chronic inflammation or infection multiple myelomaWaldenstrom's disease Lower-than-normal levels may indicate: burns (extensive) glomerulonephritis hemorrhage liver diseasemalabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) malnutritionprotein-losing enteropathyagammaglobulinemia light chain disease Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:congenital nephrotic syndrome |
| What the risks are | |
| Special considerations | Total protein measurement may be increased during pregnancy . |
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