Total Proteins Test - Serum

Unexplained weight loss, excess fatigue, swelling, or oedema caused by extra fluid in tissues and any symptoms that indicate liver or kidney disorder indicates a protein disorder. Eating more protein or a protein rich diet will have no bearing on the total proteins in your blood. A healthy nutritious diet is important to maintain optimal protein levels. Certain medications like steroid may affect the total protein level and it will be important to stop medication before undertaking the test.

Total proteins test is ordered if the doctor suspects malnutrition, malabsorption or a liver or kidney disorder. The total proteins test and the A/G ratio is also part of a routine check-up.

The important building blocks of all cells and tissues are proteins; they are important for body development and health. They make the structural part of most organs and form enzymes and hormones that regulate body functions. Albumin and Globulin are the two major proteins. Albumin makes up 60% of the total protein and is produced by the liver. They basically nourish tissues and transport hormones, vitamins and drugs all through the body. Globulin on the other hand helps fight infection. Some of the globulin is produced by the immune system. They include enzymes, hormones, carrier proteins, and numerous other types of proteins.

This test is done to know:
-Patient's nutritional status
-In suspected cases of liver disease
- In renal diseases 
- In GI disease.

The test measures the levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio in the blood. 

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Total Proteins: High levels may occur due to infections or inflammations, certain blood disorders or even physiological causes [pregnancy, age]. 
Low levels may occur due to malnutrition, liver or kidney disorders, burns , post-surgeries etc. 
Albumin : High levels may occur due to dehydration which may be due to diarrhoea or other conditions.
 Low albumin levels may occur due to certain medications or post surgeries. 
Globulin: High levels may occur due to infections, inflammations, immune disorders or even malignancies.
Low levels may occur due to kidney or liver disorders and malnutrition.
A/G ratio: High ratio may occur due to genetic conditions and certain malignancies.
Low levels may occur due to autoimmune disorders, kidney or liver diseases.