Clinical Significance
Protein, Total, Serum - Total protein is useful in evaluating patients for nutritional status, liver disease, protein-losing renal and gastrointestinal diseases, and many other medical conditions. Elevated concentrations may be observed in patients with monoclonal gammopathies, autoimmune hepatitis, inflammation, and other medical conditions.
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis • Plasma
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Reference Range(s)
Male (g/dL) Female (g/dL)
<1 Month 4.1-6.3 4.2-6.2
1-5 Months 4.7-6.7 4.4-6.6
6-11 Months 5.5-7.0 5.6-7.9
1-19 Years 6.3-8.2 6.3-8.2
≥20 Years 6.1-8.1 6.1-8.1