What is a Total Protein Test?
As part of your usual health checkup, a total protein test is performed. It is one of the tests included in your full medical panel (CMP). It is prescribed if you have:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Edema(swelling caused by extra fluid in the tissues).
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
The total protein test determines the entire quantity of protein in your blood, specifically albumin and globulin levels.
This test will also look at albumin-to-globulin ratio in your blood. This is referred to as the "A/G ratio."
How is the Total Protein Test carried out?
A blood sample is used in the test, which is then tested in a laboratory. A healthcare practitioner will take blood from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand to get a blood sample. Initially, they'll disinfect the area using an antiseptic wipe. They'll put a band around your arm to create pressure on the region before inserting the needle gently into the vein. The blood is collected in a tube connected to the needle. The band and needle will be withdrawn from your arm after the tube is filled. They will apply pressure to the puncture site in order to stop any bleeding.
A lancet is used for the skin of newborns or small children, and the blood is collected in a tiny glass pipette, test strip, or onto a slide. If there is any bleeding, a bandage should be applied to the affected region.
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Get A Second OpinionHow to prepare for the total protein test?
There is no extra preparation before the exam. Your doctor will advise you if you should avoid eating or drinking before the test.
Several drugs might have an impact on total protein test results. Before taking this test, consult your doctor about any current medications you are taking.
What are the test risks?
One should avoid activity and smoke for at least eight hours before an ammonia test.
What do the findings imply?
Total protein range
Total protein levels should be between 6 and 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL). This range may differ somewhat between laboratories. Other elements that contribute to these ranges include:
- Age
- Gender
- Population
- Test method
Throughout pregnancy, your total protein level may rise.
Before a diagnosis of total protein is abnormal, further tests must be conducted to determine whether a particular protein is deficient or excessive.
An increase in total protein may indicate:
Infections or inflammation such as viral hepatitis B or C, or HIV, bone marrow diseases, such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's disease, are examples of bone marrow disorders.
A low total protein level may indicate:
- Bleeding
- liver Disorder
- kidney disorder, such as a nephrotic disorder or glomerulonephritis
- Malnutrition
- Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
- Agammaglobulinemia, (inherited condition in which blood doesn’t have enough of a type of globulin, that affects the strength of your immune system
- Inflammatory conditions
- Delayed post-surgery recovery
Albumin levels below 3.4 g/dL are considered low. It has been linked to a decline in the efficacy of ulcerative colitis medicines. Complications during or after surgery may occur if albumin levels are low.
The A/G ratio
The A/G (albumin to globulin) ratio is normally somewhat greater than 1. Further testing is required to identify the cause and diagnosis if the ratio is too low or too high. If the ratio is low, it may indicate:
- Autoimmune disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Cirrhosis
- Kidney disease
A high A/G ratio may suggest a genetic defect or leukemia. Consult a doctor to understand your results. They may advice for more tests to be done.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
If your total protein levels were high, you might be suffering from one of the following conditions: HIV or viral hepatitis are examples of infections. A kind of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma.
This test frequently identifies dietary issues, renal illness, or liver disease. If total protein is abnormal, more testing will be required to determine the specific source of the problem.
Excess protein is often retained as fat, whereas excess amino acids are eliminated. This might result in weight gain over time, particularly if you consume too many calories while attempting to boost your protein consumption.
A positive test means there is an inflammatory condition in the body.
Yes, eating too much of a protein diet has a higher risk of kidney stones.
The normal range for the total protein test is 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 60 to 83 g/L.
Diseases that cause high blood protein are:
- Amyloidosis
- Dehydration
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple myeloma
Symptoms of too much protein are:
- Intestinal discomfort
- Indigestion
- Dehydration
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Headache
- Diarrhea
The total protein test cost is in Rs. 250 to Rs.500 approximately however, it can differ from place to place.
If you are looking for a total protein test in Hyderabad, then visit Medicover Hospitals.
