Total Protein
Total amount of protein in blood
20 of 22 providers
Liver Function
kidney disease
What is Total Protein?
Total Protein measures the combined amount of all proteins in your blood serum, primarily consisting of albumin (55-60%) and globulins (40-45%). These proteins perform hundreds of essential functions:maintaining fluid balance, transporting substances throughout the body, supporting immune function, blood clotting, and serving as enzymes and hormones.
Total protein is calculated as Albumin + Globulin, or measured directly by laboratory methods. While total protein provides an overview of protein status, its components (albumin and globulin) are more diagnostically useful. Changes in total protein can result from changes in either fraction, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio helps differentiate the underlying cause.
Total protein is affected by protein nutrition, liver synthetic function (albumin production), immune system activity (globulin production), kidney function (protein loss), and hydration status. Low total protein indicates malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or protein loss. High total protein usually reflects dehydration or, less commonly, excessive globulin production from chronic infection or blood cancers.
Why Total Protein Is Your Protein Metabolism Overview
- Broad health screening:Abnormal total protein prompts investigation of specific protein fractions and underlying causes
- Nutritional assessment:Low total protein with low albumin suggests inadequate protein intake or malabsorption
- Liver function indicator:Liver produces most blood proteins;low total protein may indicate chronic liver disease
- Kidney health:Proteinuria (kidney protein loss) causes low total protein. Check urinalysis if low
- Immune status:High total protein often reflects elevated globulins from infections, autoimmune disease, or malignancy
- Hydration marker:Elevated total protein commonly indicates dehydration;low levels can indicate overhydration
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Optimal6.8-8.0 g/dL▼
- Indicates adequate protein nutrition, normal liver synthetic function, balanced immune activity, and proper hydration
- Optimal albumin (4.5-5.2 g/dL) combined with normal globulins (2.0-3.5 g/dL) yield total protein in this range
- Associated with good health outcomes and longevity
Borderline Low6.0-6.8 g/dL▼
- Below optimal but may be within lab reference range
- Warrants investigation of albumin and globulin fractions to determine cause
- May indicate marginal protein nutrition, mild liver dysfunction, early kidney disease with proteinuria, or chronic inflammation
- Optimize protein intake (1.0-1.2 g/kg daily) and retest in 3-6 months with albumin and globulin
Low (Hypoproteinemia)<6.0 g/dL▼
- Indicates significant underlying pathology
- Check albumin and globulin to differentiate causes
- Low albumin + normal/low globulin:Liver disease, malnutrition, protein loss (kidney, GI)
- Low albumin + high globulin:Chronic infection, autoimmune disease, liver cirrhosis (A/G ratio inverted)
- Low both:Severe malnutrition, protein-losing conditions
- Requires comprehensive workup including liver panel, kidney function, urinalysis for protein, inflammatory markers
High (Hyperproteinemia)>8.0 g/dL▼
- Most commonly indicates dehydration (concentrated blood)
- If properly hydrated, evaluate globulin fraction
- High globulins:Chronic infections, autoimmune disease, multiple myeloma, lymphoma
- Check SPEP if globulin >4.5 g/dL
- High albumin is rare and usually reflects dehydration or laboratory error
- Mild elevation (8.0-8.5 g/dL) often benign;marked elevation (>9.0 g/dL) requires investigation
Scientific Evidence
Total Protein as Health Status Indicator
Total protein is a broad indicator of health status, reflecting nutritional state, liver function, immune activity, and protein balance. While less specific than albumin or globulin individually, abnormal total protein prompts investigation of these fractions. Studies show low total protein independently predicts mortality and poor surgical outcomes, though this effect is driven primarily by the albumin component.
Protein Malnutrition in Elderly
Low total protein (<6.5 g/dL) is common in elderly populations and strongly associated with frailty, functional decline, and mortality. Often reflects inadequate protein intake (<0.8 g/kg daily) combined with age-related anabolic resistance. Increasing protein to 1.2-1.5 g/kg daily improves protein status, muscle mass, and physical function in older adults.
Source:Deutz NE, et al. Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging:recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(6):929-936.
A/G Ratio in Disease Diagnosis
The albumin/globulin ratio (calculated from total protein and albumin) is diagnostically valuable. Normal ratio is 1.2-2.2. Ratio <1.0 indicates either low albumin (liver disease, malnutrition) or high globulins (chronic infection, autoimmune disease, malignancy). Inverted A/G ratio (<1.0) in cirrhosis correlates with advanced disease and poor prognosis.
Source:Duffy MJ, et al. Tumor markers in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and gastrointestinal stromal cancers:European group on tumor markers 2014 guidelines update. Int J Cancer. 2014;134(11):2513-2522.
Nephrotic Syndrome and Protein Loss
Nephrotic syndrome causes massive urinary protein loss (>3g/day), predominantly albumin, leading to low total protein and characteristic edema. Total protein often <6.0 g/dL with albumin <3.0 g/dL. Treatment with ACE inhibitors/ARBs reduces proteinuria by 30-50%, while immunosuppression may be needed for underlying glomerular disease. Persistent heavy proteinuria requires nephrology management.
Source:Kodner C. Diagnosis and management of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(6):479-485.
Multiple Myeloma Screening
Multiple myeloma typically elevates total protein (often >8.5 g/dL) due to monoclonal immunoglobulin production. However, some myelomas produce light chains only without increasing total protein. Any unexplained elevation in total protein, especially with elevated globulins (>4.5 g/dL) or A/G ratio <1.0, warrants SPEP and immunofixation to screen for myeloma. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.
Source:Rajkumar SV, et al. International Myeloma Working Group updated criteria for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15(12):e538-e548.
Which Providers Test Total Protein?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | ✓ | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | ✓ | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| ✓ | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| — | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| ✓ | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| ✓ | $190 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| ✓ | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 85 | |
| ✓ | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Total Protein?
Total amount of protein in blood
What is the optimal range for Total Protein?
The standard reference range for Total Protein is kidney disease. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include Total Protein?
20 out of 22 blood testing providers include Total Protein in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does Total Protein fall under?
Total Protein is categorized under Liver Function. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20