A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Protein, Total and Albumin
Test Code7577
CPT Codes
82040, 84155
Includes
Protein, Total
Albumin
Globulin (calculated)
Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated)
Albumin
Globulin (calculated)
Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer serum to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s), and ship at room temperature. Specimens with gross hemolysis are not acceptable.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
See individual tests
Methodology
See individual tests for specific methods
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
Protein, Total | Male (g/dL) | Female (g/dL) | |||
<1 Month | 4.1-6.3 | 4.2-6.2 | |||
1-5 Months | 4.7-6.7 | 4.4-6.6 | |||
6-11 Months | 5.5-7.0 | 5.6-7.9 | |||
1-19 Years | 6.3-8.2 | 6.3-8.2 | |||
≥20 Years | 6.1-8.1 | 6.1-8.1 | |||
Albumin | 3.6-5.1 | 3.6-5.1 | |||
Globulin | Male g/dL (calc) |
Female g/dL (calc) |
|||
<6 Months | 1.3-2.4 | 1.3-2.1 | |||
6-11 Months | 1.7-3.0 | 1.2-2.4 | |||
1-19 Years | 2.1-3.5 | 2.0-3.8 | |||
≥20 Years | 1.9-3.7 | 1.9-3.7 |
Albumin/Globulin Ratio | 1.0-2.5 (calc) |
Clinical Significance
The major proteins seen in the serum are albumin and globulin-the latter being primarily alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin. Albumin accounts for more than 50% of the total serum proteins. The albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio has been used as an index of disease state, however, it is not a specific marker for disease because it does not indicate which specific proteins are altered. The normal A/G ratio is 0.8-2.0. The A/G ratio can be decreased in response to a low albumin or to elevated globulins. Total globulins may be increased in some chronic inflammatory diseases (TB, syphilis) multiple myeloma, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Decreased levels are seen in hepatic dysfunction, renal disease and various neoplasms.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153