Protein, Total, Serum or Plasma

Also known as: TP

Clinical Use

Use

The Protein, Total, Serum or Plasma test is utilized to measure the total protein concentration in a patient's serum or plasma. This measurement is essential in assessing the nutritional status and health of patients, monitoring chronic conditions such as liver or kidney disease, and detecting abnormal protein metabolism or loss. It helps diagnose diseases involving the liver, kidney, bone marrow, as well as various other medical conditions. Accurate protein levels may also indicate overall health and assist in the management of patients with a variety of disorders.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The Protein, Total, Serum or Plasma test cannot provide specific information about the underlying cause of abnormal protein levels. It does not differentiate between various types of proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which may have varying clinical implications. Additionally, this test is not designed to evaluate or quantify specific protein fractions, such as immunoglobulins. It is important to interpret results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. Factors such as hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus may interfere with the spectrophotometric measurements.

Test Details

FDA Approved

New York Approved

Methodology

Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)

Biomarkers

Total Protein

Analyte

Protein Total, Serum/Plasma

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

2885-2 - Prot SerPl-mCnc

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Plasma

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Container

Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube

Collection Instructions

Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.