Protein Total

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Protein Total

What is Protein Total?

A Protein Total test measures the levels of different proteins in the blood. This test helps assess liver and kidney health and detect liver or kidney-related disorders. It may also help determine your nutritional status and determine any nutritional deficiencies.

Proteins are the fundamental molecules for proper body function. Most of the protein available in your body is produced by the liver; albumin and globulin are two major proteins found in your body. They help in the growth and development of the body, catalyze chemical reactions, protect against diseases, and in cell signaling. Thus, a protein test can provide valuable insights into your overall health.

Abnormal Protein Total levels can be indicative of various medical conditions, such as dehydration, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, certain types of cancer, and blood disorders. Monitoring changes in total protein levels over time can aid in diagnosing and managing these conditions. In individuals with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, monitoring changes in Protein Total levels over time can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and monitor disease progression.

A Protein Total test may be done as a part of routine health checkups or can be advised if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, edema, stomach pain or swelling, dark and pale urine, frequent urination, muscle cramps, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes. Your doctor may also suggest this test if you are at a higher risk of developing liver or kidney disease to detect problems at an earlier stage. Additionally, the testing of proteins can reflect an individual’s nutritional status. Low protein levels may indicate malnutrition or inadequate dietary protein intake, while high protein levels can be associated with certain dietary habits or conditions. Usually, no special preparation is required for this test so that you can eat and drink normally as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your overall health, and formulate your treatment plan.

What is Protein Total used for?

A Protein Total test is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
To detect any underlying liver and kidney diseases.
To monitor liver and kidney health if you take medications that can affect these organs.
In case of unexpected weight loss or fatigue.
To check the nutritional status.

What does Protein Total measure?

The Protein Total test measures the total amount of major proteins in your body, namely, albumin and globulin. It is also used to detect diseases related to improper protein metabolism and diseases that affect the liver, kidneys, or immune system. A higher than normal level of protein total in your body may indicate medical conditions such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS, multiple myeloma, etc. On the other hand, a lower-than-normal level can indicate conditions like liver disease, malnutrition, kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder.