Protein, Total, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: TP
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
Tourniquet application should be minimal when collecting the specimen. Ensure that the specimen clots completely at room temperature before separating the serum or plasma from the cells. Transport the specimen frozen to ensure specimen integrity and prevent degradation of protein levels. Any deviation from the specified collection and preparation procedures could affect the accuracy of test results.
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.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2885-2
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
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.
Patient Preparation
Tourniquet application should be minimal.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Body Fluid, Urine
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 6 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | 2 months |