Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Total Protein: What Does This Test Measure?

Measures the total amount of protein in blood, including albumin and globulins.

Test summary

Test name: Total Protein
Abbreviations: TP, Total Serum Protein
Category: Hepatology / Serum Proteins
Panel: Liver Function Panel / Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: g/dL, g/L

What does the test measure?

Measures the total amount of protein in blood, including albumin and globulins.

Why is the test ordered?

Used to help evaluate liver, kidney, nutritional and selected immune/protein-related conditions.

Information about a low result

Low total protein can occur with reduced production, protein loss, inadequate nutrition or other systemic conditions.

Information about a high result

High total protein may occur with dehydration or increased globulin/protein production.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 6 – <= 8.3 g/dL

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example adult Total Protein reference interval

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Total protein should be considered with albumin; globulin fractions or protein electrophoresis may sometimes be needed.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Nephrology
Hematology

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

Liver Function Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Liver panel components, purposes, pattern-based interpretation and limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Example adult intervals for ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, BUN, creatinine and electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Albumin Blood (Serum) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Albumin meaning and adult example interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026