What does the Total Protein, Serum test measure?

Why is Total Protein, Serum measured?

Within the CMP, total protein is primarily interpreted in the context of albumin — total protein minus albumin estimates the globulin fraction (normal approximately 2.0–3.5 g/dL). Elevated total protein with elevated globulin (globulin fraction >3.5 g/dL) suggests hypergammaglobulinaemia from chronic inflammation, hepatic cirrhosis, autoimmune disease, or monoclonal gammopathy — the latter warrants serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) when suspected. Low total protein with low albumin indicates protein-calorie malnutrition, chronic liver disease, malabsorption, or protein-losing enteropathy. The albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio below 1.0 is a non-specific flag for further investigation.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

6.0–8.3 g/dL (60–83 g/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Quest Diagnostics reference range for total protein.

Functional medicine optimal

6.8–7.8 g/dL (functional medicine optimal reflecting adequate albumin and normal polyclonal globulin without inflammatory excess). # REVIEWER FLAG: Not standardised as a clinical target — reviewer to confirm framing.

Units

g/dL, g/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.