Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1173 page)

PROTEIN (TOTAL), SERUM

   Definition

   Total serum protein is the sum of the concentration of the circulating proteins. A total serum protein test is a blood test that measures the amounts of total protein, albumin, and globulin in the blood. The amounts of albumin and globulin also are compared (albumin/globulin ratio). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulin, and the ratio is >1. A ratio <1 or much >1 can give clues about problems in the body.

   
Normal range:

   0–7 days: 4.6–7.0 g/dL

   7 days–1 year: 4.4–7.5 g/dL

   1–3 years: 5.5–7.5 g/dL

   3 years to adult: 6.0–8.0 g/dL

   Use

   Diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow, as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders

   Screening for nutritional deficiencies and gammopathies

   Interpretation

Increased In

   Hypergammaglobulinemias (monoclonal or polyclonal; see following sections)

   Hypovolemic states