Total Protein

What is Total Protein?

Total protein measures the combined concentration of albumin and globulins in blood. Albumin (60%) maintains oncotic pressure and transports substances; globulins (40%) include immunoglobulins (antibodies), transport proteins (transferrin, ceruloplasmin), and complement factors.

What might a high or low Total Protein mean?

Total protein provides a quick assessment of nutritional status, liver function, and immune system activity. Low total protein suggests malnutrition, liver disease, or protein loss. High total protein may indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or multiple myeloma. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio adds diagnostic specificity.

What is the typical reference range for Total Protein?

The general-population reference range shown here is 64 – 83 g/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Total Protein?

It may be higher with: Dehydration (concentration effect), Chronic infections (increased immunoglobulins), Multiple myeloma (monoclonal protein), Autoimmune diseases, Chronic liver disease (increased globulins). It may be lower with: Malnutrition, Liver disease (decreased albumin production), Nephrotic syndrome (urinary protein loss), Malabsorption, Burns, Protein-losing enteropathy.