Protein, Total, Plasma or Serum

Protein Total Serum/PROT - NOCO

Note: This test is included in CMPGFR - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and HFP - Hepatic Function Panel

1 mL plasma from Green top (Lithium Heparin)

1 ml serum from Serum Gel or Red Top

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Plasma Li Hep	Refrigerated	72 hours
Serum SST	Refrigerated	72 hours
Red Top – Separated*	Refrigerated	72 hours

 
*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.

Gross hemolysis

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Same day

NCMC & BFCMC
0-31 days: 4.4-7.5 g/dL
31 days-1 year: 5.1-7.5 g/dL
1-19 years: 5.6-7.5 g/dL
≥19 years: 6.2-8.2 g/dL

MMC
0 - 31 days: 4.1 - 6.3 g/dL
31 days - 6 months: 4.7 - 6.7 g/dL
6 months - 1 year: 5.5 - 7.0 g/dL
1 - 18 years: 5.4 - 7.6 g/dL
18 - 150 years: 6.0 - 8.0 g/dL

Plasma proteins are synthesized predominately in the liver, plasma cells, lymph nodes, the spleen and in bone marrow. In the course of disease the total protein concentration and also the percentage represented by individual fractions can significantly deviate from normal values. Hypoproteinemia can be caused by diseases and disorders such as loss of blood, sprue, nephrotic syndrome, severe burns, salt retention syndrome and Kwashiorkor (acute protein deficiency). Hyperproteinemia can be observed in cases of severe dehydration and illnesses such as multiple myeloma. Changes in the relative percentage of plasma proteins can be due to a change in the percentage of one plasma protein fraction. Often in such cases the amount of total protein does not change. The A/G ratio is commonly used as an index of the distribution of albumin and globulin fractions. Marked changes in this ratio can be observed in cirrhosis of the liver, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute hepatitis, lupus erythematosus as well as in certain acute and chronic inflammations. Total protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow, as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders