Protein, Total

Test Code

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB118

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Collection Container: Red top

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 1 week
Refrigerated: 1 month
Frozen: 2 months

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

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS.

Methodology

Biuret

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

0 – 1 year:	5.4 – 7.0 g/dL
1 – 4 years:	5.9 – 7.0 g/dL
4 – 7 years:	5.9 – 7.8 g/dL
7 – 10 years:	6.2 – 8.1 g/dL
10 – 18 years:	6.3 – 8.6 g/dL
18 – 150 years:	6.0 – 8.3 g/dL

Clinical Significance

Plasma proteins are derived from synthesis in the liver, plasma cells, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. In disease states both the total plasma protein level and the ratio of the individual fractions may be dramatically altered from their normal values. Hypoproteinemia may be caused by such conditions as nephrotic syndrome, extensive bleeding, sprue (deficient protein absorption), severe burns, salt retention syndromes, and Kwashiorkor (acute protein starvation.) Hyperproteinemia may be observed in cases of severe dehydration and disease states such as 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 significantly altered in such conditions as cirrhosis of the liver, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute hepatitis, lupus erythematosis, and in some acute and chronic infections.

Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 17, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, April 17, 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.