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Protein Total

Total Protein

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB118, Beaker: TP, Antrim: 17260

Department

Chemistry

Instructions

Please see Protein, CSF or Protein, Fluid for CSF and other fluid specimens.

Specimen Collection Criteria

FOR EC AND INPATIENT SAMPLE COLLECTION ONLY:

Preferred Sample:  One Light Green (Mint)-top Plasma Separator Tube (PST). (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL) 

Acceptable Sample:  One Gold-top SST (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL) 

Do NOT use Dark Green-top Lithium or Sodium Heparin tubes.

FOR PHYSICIAN OFFICE/OUTREACH SAMPLE COLLECTION:

COLLECT:  One Gold-top SST (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL) 

Contact Laboratory for acceptability of other tube types.
See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer^® collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged SST tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged SST tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Moderate to grossly hemolyzed specimens.
• Red-top tubes with serum not separated from cells within two hours of collection.

In-Lab Processing

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge SST tubes and Microtainers^® to separate serum from cells. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Canton Chemistry Laboratory
Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory 
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory 
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory 
Troy Chemistry Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Trenton Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day. 
Results available within 4 hours.

Reference Range

Age related reference range:

Age	Range (g/dL)
0-14 days	5.3 - 8.3
15 days - <1 year	4.4 - 7.1
1-5 years	6.1 - 7.5
6-8 years	6.4 - 7.7
9-18 years	6.5 - 8.1
19-60 years	6.4 - 8.3
>60 years	6.2 - 8.1

 

Test Methodology

Spectrophotometry.

Interpretation

• Ambulatory values are slightly higher than those found when the patient is recumbent.
• Total protein may be increased in a number of conditions including dehydration, some cases of chronic liver disease, multiple myeloma, and chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. infections, autoimmune diseases).
• Total protein may be decreased in e.g. pregnancy, following IV fluid administration, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, burns, many chronic diseases, intestinal malabsorption and malnutrition.

Clinical Utility

Total protein measurements aid in the assessment of nutritional status (see Prealbumin) and may be useful in the diagnosis and management of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, and bone marrow.

CPT Codes

84155

Contacts

Last Updated

1/3/2025