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Department

Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Total Protein (serum)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
  • EDTA Plasma
  • Li Hep Plasma
1 mL whole blood minimum

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Usual

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge

Turnaround Time

1 day

Sample Stability

Stable for 3 days 4ºC. For longer periods, store frozen.

Total Protein (serum)

General Information

Total protein measurements are used in a variety of clinical situations. It may be used in combination with albumin measurements to identify a range of disorders. In the clinical states which follow, the diseases listed are total protein may be increased or decreased as indicated, but not in all patients presenting with the disorders. Causes of high total protein: dehydration; some cases of chronic liver disease, including chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis; neoplasms, especially myeloma; macroglobulinemia of Waldenström; tropical diseases (eg, kala-azar, leprosy, and others); granulomatous diseases, such as sarcoidosis; diseases in which total protein is sometimes high include collagen disease (eg, lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other instances of chronic infection/inflammation). Causes of low total protein: pregnancy; intravenous fluids; cirrhosis or other liver disease, including chronic alcoholism; prolonged immobilization; heart failure; nephrotic syndromes; glomerulonephritis; neoplasia; protein losing enteropathies; Crohn disease and chronic ulcerative colitis; starvation, malabsorption or malnutrition; hyperthyroidism; burns; severe skin disease; and other chronic diseases. Very low total protein (<40 g/L) and low albumin cause oedema (eg, the nephrotic syndromes).

 

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

No Interference from haemolysis, lipaemia or high bilirubin concentration.

Reference Range

60-80 g/L

(Source : Pathology Harmony Recommendations)

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status:

    NEQAS and WEQAS