Total Protein, Serum Test
The total protein, serum test measures the total amount of protein in a blood serum sample. It is used in evaluating nutritional status and certain liver, kidney and digestive conditions, and can be ordered through Celio Health.
About this test
Quest analyzes a 1 mL serum sample using spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of total protein. Unlike a plasma-based total protein test, the serum version does not include fibrinogen, since serum is the fluid remaining after clotting removes it.
Total protein is used in evaluating nutritional status, liver disease, and protein-losing kidney and gastrointestinal diseases, among other conditions. Quest notes that elevated total protein concentrations may be observed with monoclonal gammopathies, autoimmune hepatitis, inflammation and other medical conditions, so a result is read together with a person's history and other findings rather than on its own.
Test details
| Quest code | 754 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Spectrophotometry |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: total protein in serum. Quest lists it as used in evaluating nutritional status, liver disease, and protein-losing kidney and gastrointestinal diseases, and notes that elevated concentrations may be seen with monoclonal gammopathies, autoimmune hepatitis, and inflammation, among other conditions.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the total protein, serum test measure?
It measures the concentration of total protein in a serum sample, using spectrophotometry.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 1 mL serum sample from a routine blood draw.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Why might a clinician order this test?
Quest lists total protein, serum as used in evaluating nutritional status, liver disease, and protein-losing kidney and gastrointestinal diseases, among other conditions.
What can raise a total protein result?
Quest notes that elevated total protein concentrations may be observed with monoclonal gammopathies, autoimmune hepatitis, inflammation and other medical conditions; a clinician reads the result in that context.
Can I get the Protein, Total test without a doctor's visit or insurance?
Yes. The $15 cash price includes an independent physician's order, so no referral is needed, and insurance is never involved.