About Total Protein
Total protein is a measure of the total amount of protein in the blood, which includes albumin and globulin. These proteins play a crucial role in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances through the blood, and performing many physiological functions.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
6.0 - 8.3 g/dL
Women's Optimal Range
6.0 - 8.3 g/dL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate chronic inflammation, liver disease, or multiple myeloma due to an overproduction of proteins.
Low
Low levels may be associated with malnutrition, malabsorption conditions, or kidney disease, indicating a possible breakdown or inadequate synthesis of proteins.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, nausea, edema, or confusion.
Low
Can include weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and infections.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Dufour, D. R., Lott, J. A., Nolte, F. S., Gretch, D. R., Koff, R. S., & Seeff, L. B. (2020). Diagnosis and monitoring of hepatic injury. II. Recommendations for use of laboratory tests in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Clinical Chemistry, 46(12), 2050-2068.|2. McPherson, R. A., & Pincus, M. R. (2021). Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods (24th ed.). Elsevier.|3. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. (2023). Total Protein Test. Lab Tests Online.|4. World Health Organization. (2022). Laboratory Testing for Viral Hepatitis: WHO Guidelines.|5. National Institutes of Health. (2024). Total Protein and Albumin/Globulin Ratio. MedlinePlus.