What it means
The two main groups of blood proteins are albumin, which holds fluid inside the blood vessels, and globulins, which include the antibodies. The total protein test adds them up. It is often part of a liver or comprehensive metabolic panel. It can be low with poor nutrition, liver disease, kidney disease that leaks protein, or severe burns, and high with dehydration or some long-term infections and blood cancers.
For the nurse
Look at it with the albumin level, weight and diet history when assessing nutrition. A low protein level can lead to swelling and slow wound healing.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 6.0–8.3 g/dL [60–83 g/L]; each lab sets its own range. |
|---|---|
| Also written | serum protein, serum proteins |
Related terms
amino acid
One of the small building blocks that join together in chains to make proteins.