Protein (Total), Serum

Total serum protein is the sum of the concentration of the circulating proteins. A total serum protein test is a blood test that measures the amounts of total protein, albumin, and globulin in the blood. The amounts of albumin and globulin also are compared (albumin/globulin ratio). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulin, and the ratio is >1. A ratio <1 or much >1 can give clues about problems in the body.

Normal range:

0 " “7 days: 4.6 " “7.0 g/dL

7 days " “1 year: 4.4 " “7.5 g/dL

1 " “3 years: 5.5 " “7.5 g/dL

3 years to adult: 6.0 " “8.0 g/dL

Use

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow, as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders

Screening for nutritional deficiencies and gammopathies

Interpretation

Increased In

Hypergammaglobulinemias (monoclonal or polyclonal; see following sections)