Protein, Body Fluid

Test Code

FPROT

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB196

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Peritoneal fluid (peritoneal, abdominal, ascites, paracentesis), Pleural fluid (pleural, chest, thoracentesis), Drain fluid (drainage, JP drain), Pericardial
Collection Container: Green top tube (Lithium or Sodium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Collection Container: Sterile container

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: Not defined
Refrigerated : 5 days
Frozen: Not defined

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, wrong preservative, exceeds specimen stability requirements.

Methodology

Biuret

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

60 mg/dL of Bilirubin may decrease TP by 6.6%
250 mg/dL of Hgb may increase TP by 12%
Triglycerides > 1000 mg/dL has not been evaluated for interference.

Reference Range

See laboratory report

Clinical Significance

Plasma proteins are derived from synthesis in the liver, plasma cells, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. In disease states, the total plasma protein level and the ratio of the individual fractions may be altered from their normal values. Hypoproteinemia may be caused by nephrotic syndrome, extensive bleeding, deficient protein absorption, severe burns, salt retention syndromes, and acute protein starvation. Hyperproteinemia may be observed in severe dehydration and in multiple myeloma. Changes in the proportions of the plasma proteins may occur in one or several of the protein fractions and often without alterations in the quantity of total protein. The A/G ratio has commonly been used as an index of the distribution between the albumin and globulin fractions. This ratio can be altered in cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute hepatitis, lupus, and in some acute and chronic infections.

Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 10, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, April 10, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.