LiverReported in g/dLTotal protein
Albumin plus the globulins, all of the protein in the serum. It is a wide-angle view that albumin then focuses.
What it measures
Total protein adds albumin to globulins, the family of proteins that includes antibodies. The liver makes albumin and many globulins. Plasma cells make antibodies. A typical adult result on this panel falls between about 6.4 and 8.9 g/dL. The interesting results are the ones where total protein and albumin do not move together.
Why it is on the panel
It is the check on albumin. A high total protein with a normal albumin suggests extra globulin, sometimes from chronic inflammation or from a plasma-cell condition. A low total protein with a low albumin fits production problems, dilution, or protein loss.
How to read it
Subtract albumin from total protein in your head. That difference is a rough globulin estimate. Albumin low, globulin estimate high: inflammation or chronic infection. Both low: liver production, loss, or malnutrition. Total protein high, albumin normal: extra antibodies, worth mentioning to a clinician if it is clearly above the interval.
When it runs higher
Dehydration concentrates protein. Chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, and some blood conditions that make extra antibody raise the globulin share and can lift the total. A clearly high total protein is a reason to ask whether a more specific protein test is warranted.
When it runs lower
Liver disease, protein loss in urine or stool, low intake, and overhydration lower total protein. Because albumin is a large part of the total, anything that lowers albumin pulls this number down too.
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Total protein
Total protein is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.