Protein, Total
Total Protein
Test Codes
Antrim #17260, EPIC: LAB5108, SOFT: TP
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 Top Plasma Separator Tube (PST)(Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)
Acceptable Sample: One Gold Top SST (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)
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
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory
Troy 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
Automated Chemistry Laboratory – RO
248-551-8065
Name: Automated Chemistry Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8065
Chemistry Laboratory – GP
313-473-1807
Name: Chemistry Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1807
Chemistry Laboratory – TR
248-964-8070
Name: Chemistry Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8070
Last Updated
11/3/2020
Microtainer® and Vacutainer® are registered trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.
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This directory currently reflects information only for specimens collected and/or processed at the
Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, and Troy campuses.