LFT Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: LFT
Total protein measures the combined concentration of albumin and globulins in blood. Albumin is mainly made by the liver and maintains oncotic pressure and transports substances; globulins include antibodies and other carrier and inflammatory proteins. The test evaluates liver synthetic function, nutritional status, kidney losses, chronic inflammation, and plasma cell disorders. It is ordered when patients have fatigue, unexplained edema, recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, bleeding or bruising, or abnormal liver or kidney tests. Results vary with age (newborns and elderly may differ), pregnancy (mildly lower due to plasma dilution), hydration (dehydration raises values), and acute-phase responses (inflammation raises certain globulins).
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Symptom Checker6.0-8.3 g/dL OR 60-83 g/L
Q: What is a normal total protein?
A: Normal serum total protein is roughly 6.0–8.3 g/dL (60–83 g/L). Levels below this range may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney loss of protein, or inflammation; high levels can reflect dehydration, chronic inflammatory conditions, or monoclonal gammopathies. Lab-specific reference ranges and clinical context (age, symptoms, medications) affect interpretation—discuss abnormal results with your healthcare provider.
Q: What happens if total protein is high?
A: High total protein (hyperproteinemia) usually reflects increased globulins or dehydration. It can indicate chronic inflammation, long‑term infections, autoimmune disease, or plasma‑cell disorders such as multiple myeloma. Often there are no direct symptoms from high protein itself; signs arise from the underlying cause (fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, recurrent infections). Doctors repeat tests, check albumin/globulin ratio and order serum protein electrophoresis.
Q: What does it mean if your protein is low?
A: If your blood protein is low it often indicates inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, chronic illness or liver/kidney problems. Consequences include fatigue, muscle loss, swelling (edema), slow wound healing, hair thinning and higher infection risk. Low albumin can cause fluid imbalance. Evaluation with blood tests and treating underlying causes—improving protein intake or managing disease—is important; see a healthcare professional.
Q: What is in total protein?
A: Total protein (serum) measures the combined amount of albumin and globulins in blood. Albumin produced by the liver maintains oncotic pressure and transports substances. Globulins include alpha, beta and gamma fractions (including immunoglobulins/antibodies) involved in immunity, transport, and inflammation. Abnormal totals can indicate dehydration, liver or kidney disease, infections, or immune disorders.
Q: What is a safe level of protein?
A: Most healthy adults need about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Older adults may benefit from 1.0–1.2 g/kg; athletes often aim for 1.2–2.0 g/kg. Protein should provide about 10–35% of calories; intakes up to roughly 2 g/kg are generally safe for healthy people. Very high long‑term intake can harm those with kidney disease—consult a clinician.
Q: What is the disease of protein deficiency?
A: Kwashiorkor is the form of severe protein deficiency, mainly affecting young children. It occurs when dietary protein is inadequate relative to calories and causes edema, fatty liver, growth failure, irritability, skin and hair changes, and impaired immunity. Treatment involves careful nutritional rehabilitation with gradual protein and calorie repletion, management of infections and fluids, and ongoing dietary education and follow-up.