Total Protein

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab, Hudson, Lakeview, Regions, Sartell, Westfields

Test Code

0125

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: TP

CPT Codes
84155

Preferred Specimen

100 uL Lithium Heparin Plasma (light green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

5 uL (does not include dead volume)

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum (gold-top, red-top), Lithium Heparin (light green-top) on ICE

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: < 1 week
Refrigerated: < 1 month
Frozen: < 2 months at -20 C

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

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Biuret

Setup Schedule

Hospital: Daily
Clinics: Monday - Friday

Report Available

Same Day

Reference Range


	6.4-8.3 g/dL

Clinical Significance

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

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.