Home
HelpTest Code LAB118 Total Protein
Clinical System Name
Total Protein
Synonyms
Protein
LAB118
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container(s): Lt. Green/Mint Top Lithium Heparin, Lt. Green/Lithium Heparin Microtainer, Gold SST, Gold Microtainer, Dark Green/Sodium Heparin, Red
Preferred Vol: 1 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL
Note: Method is affected by lipemia and hemolysis.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: Gross hemolysis, Age of specimen
Spin: Y
Aliquot: Y
Storage location: Core 5 Chemistry Refrigerator
Off-site collection: Avoid hemolysis. Specimen should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Spin blood and transfer serum or plasma to plastic tube and refrigerate or freeze.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum or Plasma | RT |
≤ 4 h |
| Serum or Plasma | 2-8 C |
≤ 3 d |
| Serum or Plasma | -20 C or -70 C |
≤ 6 m |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 24/7 | 1 h |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Core Chemistry
Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)
CPT Codes
84155
Methodology
Method: Colorimetric by Vitros 4600
Analytical Volume: 0.02 mL + 0.03 mL dead space
Reference Range
| Age | g/dL |
| 0 - 14 d | 5.4 - 8.5 |
| 15 d - 1 y | 4.5 - 7.3 |
| 1 y - 6 y | 6.2 - 7.7 |
| > 6 y | 6.5 - 8.3 |
Description
Total serum protein concentration can be used for evaluation of nutritional status. Causes of high total serum protein concentration include dehydration, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, hyperglobulinemia, granulomatous diseases, some tropical diseases, collagen diseases, lupus erythematosus, and other instances of chronic infection or inflammation. Low total serum protein concentration may be caused by excessive intravenous fluid administration, cirrhosis or other liver diseases, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia, protein-losing enteropathies, malabsorption, and severe malnutrition.