Protein, Total

Introduction

Elevated total protein (hyperproteinemia) can occur in cases of severe dehydration, some types of cancer, chronic inflammation or infection, and due to some drugs. Reduced total protein (hypoproteinemia) can suggest a liver or kidney disorder, other disorders which affect protein digestion or absorption, or congestive heart failure which can increase the volume of plasma (thereby diluting the blood). Extensive bleeding, severe burns, malnutrition, and estrogens can also result in hypoproteinemia.

Pricing

$49

How to order a test

What is Included?

Measurement of total protein levels in a blood sample by the biuret methodology.

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

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Preparation Before Specimen Collection

None

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume
• Hemolysis

Purpose

To measure total protein levels in a blood sample for the evaluation of nutritional status and to investigate edema.

Elevated total protein levels (hyperproteinemia) can occur in cases of severe dehydration, some types of cancer (e.g. multiple myeloma), and chronic inflammation or infection (e.g. HIV and hepatitis B or C). Some drugs may also lead to hyperproteinemia, including anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormone, insulin, and progesterone.

Reduced total protein levels (hypoproteinemia) can suggest a liver or kidney disorder, other disorders which affect protein digestion or absorption, or congestive heart failure which can increase the volume of plasma (diluting the blood). Extensive bleeding, severe burns, malnutrition, and estrogens can also result in hypoproteinemia.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
• Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.

Methodology

Biuret methodology (Alinity c Total Protein assay)

Reference Intervals

0 – 14 days: 5.3 – 8.3 g/dL
15 days – < 1 year: 4.4–7.1 g/dL
1 – < 3 years: 6.1–7.5 g/dL
3 – 5 years: 6.3–8.1 g/dL
6 – 19 years: 6.8–8.2 g/dL
20 – 29 years: 6.5–8.3 g/dL
30 – 79 years: 6.5–7.8 g/dL

These reference ranges were obtained from Rifai N, Horvath AR, & Wittwer C. (2018). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (Sixth edition.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.