Protein, Total and Albumin Test
This test measures total protein and albumin in a serum sample, and calculates the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio from those results. It reports four related values that clinicians consider together rather than any one on its own.
About this test
Total serum protein is made up mainly of albumin and a group of proteins called globulins, which include alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma globulin; albumin normally accounts for more than half of total protein. This test reports total protein, albumin, globulin and the calculated A/G ratio from a 1 mL serum sample.
The A/G ratio has been used as an index of disease state, though it is not specific to any particular condition since it does not by itself indicate which proteins are altered. Total globulins may be increased in some chronic inflammatory diseases, multiple myeloma, collagen disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and decreased in hepatic dysfunction, renal disease and various neoplasms.
Test details
| Quest code | 7577 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | See individual tests for specific methods |
| 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 four related values: total protein, albumin, globulin, and the calculated albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, from a single serum sample. Quest also lists this test under the alias Globulin. Because the components move for different reasons -- globulins can rise with chronic inflammatory disease, multiple myeloma, collagen disease or rheumatoid arthritis, and albumin or globulin can shift with hepatic dysfunction, renal disease or certain neoplasms -- a clinician reads all four values together rather than the ratio alone.
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 Protein, Total and Albumin test measure?
It measures total protein and albumin in a serum sample, and calculates the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio from those results.
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.
What can affect the A/G ratio?
Total globulins may rise with chronic inflammatory disease, multiple myeloma, collagen disease or rheumatoid arthritis, and albumin or globulin can fall with hepatic dysfunction, renal disease or certain neoplasms.
Is this the same as a Globulin test?
Quest lists this test under the alias Globulin; the panel reports total protein, albumin, globulin and the A/G ratio together.
How much does the Protein, Total and Albumin test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $15. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.