Serum total protein
Serum total protein | |
---|---|
Purpose | test for measuring the total amount of protein in serum |
Serum total protein, also known as total protein, is a
serum.[1]
Serum contains many proteins including serum albumin, a variety of globulins, and many others. While it is possible to analyze these proteins individually, total protein is a relatively quick and inexpensive analysis that does not discriminate by protein type.
The traditional method for measuring total protein uses the
biuret reagent, but other chemical methods such as dye-binding and refractometry are now available. The measurement is usually performed on automated analysers along with other laboratory tests.[citation needed
]
Interpretation
The
reference range for total protein is typically 60-80g/L. (It is also sometimes reported as "6.0-8.0g/dl"),[2]
but this may vary depending on the method of analysis.
- Concentrations below the reference range usually reflect low albumin concentration, for instance in acute infection. Rarely, low total protein may be a sign of immunodeficiency.
- Concentrations above the reference range are found in leukaemia or any condition causing an increase in immunoglobulins. Total protein is also commonly elevated in dehydrationand C677T gene mutation.
References
- ^ "What Is a Total Serum Protein Test?". WebMD.
- ^ "Harmonisation of Reference Intervals" (PDF). Pathology Harmony (UK). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
External links
- Total protein and A/G ratio at Lab Tests Online
- Total protein: analyte monograph - The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine