Miscellaneous Total Protein

Test Code

MISTP

CPT Codes
84157

Preferred Specimen

Body fluid specimen, including but not limited to: Pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, or synovial fluid. Note fluid type in order comments or on patient specimen label.

This test is for measurement of Total Protein on Body Fluids other than CSF. For measurement of Total Protein on CSF, order CSFTP (or CSFP for CSF Profile). For measurement of Total Protein on Plasma or Serum, order TP. For measurement of Total Protein on Urine, order URTP or UPRO (urinalysis method).

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Collect body fluid in a body fluid collection bag or other sterile container and transport to lab. Refrigerate if transport will be delayed. Note fluid type in order comments or on patient specimen label.

Transport Container

Body fluid collection bag or sterile container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 4 hours; Refrigerated - 24 hours

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

Gross viscosity or turbidity

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Gross viscosity or turbidity may interfere with testing.

Reference Range

No reference range listed. Please note: units for measurement of Body Fluid Total Protein are mg/dL, whereas units for measurement of Serum or Plasma Total Protein are g/dL.

Clinical Significance

The major test used to differentiate between a transudate or an exudate is the concentration of total protein in a fluid. Transudates generally have total protein concentration less than 3000 mg/dL while exudates generally have a total protein greater than 3000 mg/dL. Another way of looking at this value is to compare it to the level of total protein found in the patient’s serum. A transudate will still have a low concentration of total protein while an exudate will generally have a concentration of total protein that is greater than half the concentration of total protein found in the serum.

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.