ID30. Protein, Total. (g/l)

The total protein test measures the total amount of two classes of proteins found in the fluid portion of blood. These are albumin and globulin, which are important parts of all cells and tissues. Albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Globulins are an important part of the immune system. ¹

Abnormalities. Disorders or diseases caused or related.

High or low serum protein levels do not always signal a chronic medical condition. Everyday factors that can affect a person’s protein levels include:

intense exercise

diet

stress

age

degree of hydration during the test

pregnancy

taking hormonal birth control pills

complications from surgery

Consistently high serum total protein levels can indicate the following health conditions:

inflammation from infections, such as HIV or viral hepatitis

paraproteinaemia

cancers, such as multiple myeloma or Hodgkin's lymphoma

dehydration

chronic kidney disease

liver disease

leukaemia

or any condition causing an increase in immunoglobulins

Low serum total protein usually reflects low albumin concentration, for instance in liver disease or acute infection and may suggest any of the following health conditions:

malnutrition

malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

liver disease

kidney disease, such as nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis

congestive heart failure

1.        Pincus MR, Abraham NZ. Interpreting laboratory results. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 8.

2.        What to know about the protein test and results. MedicalNewsToday. Available online at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325320.php. Accessed 8/12/19