Total Protein, Serum or Plasma

Serum (gold top) tube

This test is for Total Protein measurement on Serum or Plasma. For a Total Protein measurement on Body Fluids (except CSF), order MISTP.  For Total Protein measurement on CSF, order CSFTP (or CSFP for CSF Profile).  For Total Protein measurement on urine, order URTP or UPRO (urinalysis method).

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Daily upon receipt

Birth - 2 Years:      4.6 - 7.6 g/dL
2 Years - Adult:     6.3 - 8.2 g/dL
 

Please note, Serum or Plasma Total Protein is measured in g/dL, whereas Body Fluid Total Protein is measured in mg/dL.

Serum proteins transport drugs and metabolites and maintain plasma osmotic pressure. Most serum proteins are synthesized in the liver, with the exception of gamma globulins. One of the most important serum proteins produced in the liver is albumin. Total serum protein concentration can be used for evaluation of nutritional status. Causes of high total serum protein concentration include dehydration, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, hyperglobulinemia, granulomatous diseases, and some tropical diseases. Total protein concentration is occasionally increased in collagen diseases, lupus erythematosus, and other instances of chronic infection or inflammation. Causes of low total serum protein concentration include pregnancy, excessive intravenous fluid administration, cirrhosis or other liver diseases, chronic alcoholism, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia, protein-losing enteropathies, malabsorption, and severe malnutrition.

This test is for Total Protein measurement on Serum or Plasma. For a Total Protein measurement on Body Fluids (except CSF), order MISTP.  For Total Protein measurement on CSF, order CSFTP (or CSFP for CSF Profile).  For Total Protein measurement on urine, order URTP.