Explore
Urine protein tests detect and/or measure protein being released into the urine. What are normal levels? For a random urine sample, normal values are 0 to 20 mg/dL. For a 24-hour urine collection, the normal value is less than 80 mg per 24 hours.
What is the normal range of urine protein?
The normal protein levels in the blood in the SI are:
- Adults: 60 - 83 g/L
- Preterm newborns: 42 - 76 g/L
- Term newborns: 46 - 74 g/L
- Children up to 1 year old: 60 - 67 g/L
- Children over 1 year old: 62 - 80 g/L
What are the normal blood protein levels?
Why Are My Total Protein Levels Low?
- Sources. The majority of proteins found in your serum are manufactured in your liver. ...
- Malnutrition. ...
- Liver Disease. ...
- Gastrointestinal and Kidney Losses. ...
- Considerations. ...
What causes low protein levels in the serum?
There is a range of what is considered normal. Most labs will consider anything between 6.4 and 8.3 grams per deciliter (64-83 grams per liter) to be normal for a total protein count. However, normal range depends upon the lab, and could include numbers higher or lower than these. Here is a chart that reveals details of total protein test.
What is the normal range of protein in blood?
What does serum protein indicate?
A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. It also measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin. This is made mainly in the liver.
What is considered a low protein level?
Marked hypoproteinemia (< 4 g/dl in adults): Protein levels are very low and if albumin is also low you can suffer from edema (swelling of the legs) and ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen).
What is a high level of protein in blood?
High blood protein (hyperproteinemia) is an increase in the concentration of protein in the bloodstream. High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself, but it might indicate you have a disease. High blood protein rarely causes signs or symptoms on its own.
Is a protein level of 7 GOOD?
The normal range for protein levels in blood serum is 6 to 8 grams per deciliter (g/dl).
What happens if serum protein is low?
If your total protein levels were low, it may mean you have one of the following conditions: Liver disease. Kidney disease. Malnutrition, a condition in which your body does not get the calories, vitamins, and/or minerals needed for good health.
What are the symptoms of low protein levels?
What are the symptoms?nausea.headache.mood changes.weakness.fatigue.low blood pressure.hunger and food cravings.diarrhea.More items...•
Should I be worried about high protein in blood?
A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally. If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low.
How do you get rid of excess protein in your blood?
On the other hand, according to the National Kidney Foundation, if high protein levels are the result of dehydration, you may be able to flush out excess protein (or dilute the concentration) by drinking more water and making sure that you're getting enough electrolytes.
What cancers cause high protein in blood?
Possible Causes Viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS. Blood cancers such as multiple myeloma or certain types of lymphoma. Severe liver or kidney disease.
Does low protein make tired?
Weakness and Fatigue And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.
What foods cause high protein in blood?
Eating a diet high in refined carbs like white bread and cookies, fried foods, sugary drinks, as well as processed meats, lard and trans fats may increase inflammation, and the protein marker in your blood.
What protein is elevated in multiple myeloma?
Patients can then develop anemia and low platelets as the disease advances. The myeloma cells can cause an overproduction of certain proteins such as Interleukin 6 (IL-6) (also known as osteoclast activating factor or OAF) resulting in activation of osteoclasts which are cells in the body that break down bone.
What causes low protein in the body?
You can become deficient in protein if you don't eat enough food sources. Severe protein deficiency is called kwashiorkor. This condition is more common in low income countries where people don't have enough to eat. Some people do not consume enough protein in their diet, possibly due to dietary choices or aversions.
How can I raise my protein levels quickly?
6 easy ways to get more protein:Indulge in a little red meat. Feel free to indulge in that steak! ... Eat pork. Pork is also an excellent source of protein, providing 26 grams in a 3.5-ounce serving. ... Consume eggs and dairy. ... Eat plant-based proteins. ... Enjoy other sources of protein.
What does a doctor look for in a serum protein test?
A doctor will look at the results of the serum total protein test along with other test results to help diagnose medical conditions. They will analyze the results in the context of a person’s overall CMP.
Where is the serum protein test drawn?
A serum total protein test involves drawing a sample of blood from a vein located in the arm.
When do I need a total protein test?
A doctor may recommend a total protein test if a person experiences loss of appetite.
What is the purpose of urine protein test?
Urine test. A urine total protein test detects the amounts of protein present in the urine. The kidneys filter albumin and other proteins from the blood so that the urine may contain small amounts of protein.
Why is albumin low?
This is because some conditions affect the amounts of albumin or globulin in the blood. A low A/G ratio may be due to an overproduction of globulin, underproduction of albumin, or loss of albumin, which may indicate the following: an autoimmune disease. cirrhosis, involving inflammation and scarring of the liver.
How many grams of albumin are in blood?
in blood serum is 6 to 8 grams per deciliter (g/dl). Of this, albumin makes up 3.5 to 5.0 g/dl, and the rest is total globulins. These ranges may vary between different laboratories.
What is the role of albumin in blood?
It regulates oncotic pressure in the plasma to prevent water from leaking out of the blood vessels.
What does it mean when your protein is higher than normal?
A result that’s higher than normal, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a health condition needing treatment. Your doctor will interpret your protein result, taking into account your medical history, symptoms, and other test results.
What makes up the majority of the proteins in the blood?
Normally, albumin makes up for slightly more than half of the proteins in the blood (serum, the liquid part of the blood), and the remainder of the protein count are the globulins [ 2 ].
What is Total Protein?
Proteins are one of the building blocks of every cell. They also play an important role in many biological processes. They are essential for growth and development, nutrient and hormone transport, and immune function [ 1 ].
What does low A/G mean?
A low A/G ratio may indicate viral infections, liver and kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders. These diseases increase globulin and decrease albumin thus lowering the A/G ratio [ 3 ].
Why is my protein level low?
Low total protein levels can be caused by underlying conditions including protein deficiency, kidney and liver disease, or inborn immune deficiencies.
What is a CMP blood test?
This test measures albumin and total globulin levels in your blood. A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from your vein and send it to a lab for analysis. The test is normally ordered as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
What to do if your protein is low?
The most important thing is to work with your doctor to find out what’s causing your low protein levels and to treat any underlying conditions. Your doctor may look at other tests such as albumin and globulin to figure out which one is decreasing your protein levels.
What does it mean when your protein is high?
High total protein:Too much protein in your blood can be a sign of chronic infection or inflammation( like HIV/AIDSor viral hepatitis). It can also be an early sign of a bone marrow disorder. Low A/G ratio:This might be the sign an autoimmune disorder, where your body’s immune systemattacks healthy cells.
What is a protein test?
This often includes a total serum protein test. It measures the amount of protein in your blood. This can give you insight into your general health. It can also be used to look for some serious health problems.
What causes low total protein?
Low total protein: You could have a liver or kidney disorder, or a digestive disorder like celiac disease (your body can’t absorb protein the way it should).
What does low A/G ratio mean?
In some cases, a low A/G ratio can be a sign of a tumor in your bone marrow. High A/G ratio:This can be a sign of disease in your liver, kidney, or intestines. It’s also linked to low thyroidactivity and leukemia.
What is the normal blood protein level?
Under normal circumstances, the blood proteins must be in the range of 6.0 to 8.3 gm/dL (grams per deciliter). If the levels of these blood proteins or albumin/globulin ratio is higher or lower than the normal reference range, it is usually indicative of certain ailments. So if the serum protein test results reveal abnormal levels, ...
What percentage of blood is serum protein?
The serum proteins, which are also called blood proteins, constitute about 6 to 8% of blood. The blood test that measures the protein levels in blood is referred to as total serum protein test. The total serum protein test is one of the 14 specific blood tests that are included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
What is the difference between serum albumin and globulin?
The total serum protein test measures the levels of two major protein groups called albumin and globulin. Human serum albumin, which makes up about 50% of blood serum proteins, is responsible for preventing the leakage of blood from the blood vessels. It helps in promoting the growth of tissues and facilitates the healing process. Globulin refers to a protein group that consists of proteins known as the alpha, beta and the gamma types. Globulin proteins bind themselves to hemoglobin and transport iron in the blood. Under normal circumstances, the blood proteins must be in the range of 6.0 to 8.3 gm/dL (grams per deciliter). If the levels of these blood proteins or albumin/globulin ratio is higher or lower than the normal reference range, it is usually indicative of certain ailments. So if the serum protein test results reveal abnormal levels, further testing may be required to ascertain the underlying cause.
Why is protein in blood high?
High levels of protein in the blood could be indicative of a weakened immune system. When people have an abnormally high blood protein count, doctors may recommend them to get themselves tested for Hepatitis or HIV. Total blood protein levels may become elevated if one is suffering from a chronic infection. Liver dysfunction could also cause the levels of protein to increase. Since chronic inflammation could also be a contributory factor, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can have a high blood protein count. Sometimes abnormal levels of protein in blood could be caused due to certain bone marrow diseases such as multiple myeloma, amyloidosis or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.
What causes low albumin levels?
While low albumin levels may be seen in people suffering from malnutrition, albuminuria, loss of protein through gastrointestinal tract in diarrhea, liver dysfunction or hormonal imbalance, low levels of globulin may be seen in people who are suffering from liver dysfunction, nephrotic syndrome or acute hemolytic anemia.
What are the proteins in the blood?
Proteins are macromolecules that play a vital role in varied bodily processes. While the specialized proteins called antibodies help in fighting off pathogens or foreign invaders, some proteins act as carriers of molecules. Hemoglobin is an example of a carrier protein that transports oxygen through the blood, while ferritin is a storage protein that stores iron and releases it as and when required. Certain hormones, enzymes and clotting agents also contain proteins. The serum proteins, which are also called blood proteins, constitute about 6 to 8% of blood. The blood test that measures the protein levels in blood is referred to as total serum protein test. The total serum protein test is one of the 14 specific blood tests that are included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
What does it mean when your protein level is abnormal?
While abnormal blood protein levels don’t pinpoint any particular illness, these do indicate health problems . When the total serum protein test reveals low or high levels of protein, doctors usually order other tests to ascertain the underlying cause. The affected individuals must follow the dietary guidelines and make the right lifestyle choices to bring the levels of blood proteins within the normal range.
What are the proteins in SPEP?
Too much or too little protein can cause problems. The five groups of proteins usually considered during an SPEP test are: 1 Albumin: This protein transports substances and plays a role in tissue growth and repair. 2 Alpha-1 globulins: The major alpha-1 globulin is called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which is produced by the lungs and liver and increases with inflammatory diseases. 3 Alpha-2 globulins: This class of protein has many functions in the body and is involved in inflammation. 4 Beta globulins: These proteins move substances, support immunity, and increase in number in multiple myeloma and conditions like high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. 5 Gamma globulins: These support the immune system and are increased in multiple myeloma, as well as some autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
What are the roles of proteins in the body?
They have a number of roles: They provide structure to the body. They help transport nutrients. They help the body fight off disease. Too much or too little protein can cause problems. The five groups of proteins usually considered during an SPEP test are:
Which class of proteins has many functions in the body and is involved in inflammation?
Alpha-2 globulins: This class of protein has many functions in the body and is involved in inflammation. Beta globulins: These proteins move substances, support immunity, and increase in number in multiple myeloma and conditions like high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
Can you take a blood sample for protein electrophoresis?
The serum protein electrophoresis test. No preparation is needed for the test. When you arrive, a healthcare professional will simply use a needle to take a blood sample. Some people experience mild pain when the needle is inserted. There may be some slight bruising afterward.
What causes a change in serum total protein?
The 2 general causes of alterations of serum total protein are a change in the volume of plasma water and a change in the concentration of 1 or more of the specific proteins in the plasma. Of the individual serum proteins, albumin is present in such high concentrations that low levels of this protein alone may cause hypoproteinemia.
Why is hyperproteinemia mild?
Mild hyperproteinemia may be caused by an increase in the concentration of specific proteins normally present in relatively low concentration, eg, increases in acute phase reactants and polyclonalimmunoglobulins produced in inflammatory states, late-stage liver disease, and infections. Moderate-to-marked hyperproteinemia may also be due to multiple myeloma and other malignant paraproteinemias, although normal total protein levels do not rule out these disorders. A serum protein electrophoresis should be performed to evaluate the cause of the elevated serum total protein.
Why is serum protein electrophoresis performed?
A serum protein electrophoresis should be performed to evaluate the cause of the elevated serum total protein. Hypoproteinemia may be due to decreased production (eg, hypogammaglobulinemia) or increased protein loss (eg, nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy).
Why is hyperproteinemia seen in dehydration?
Hyperproteinemia may be seen in dehydration due to inadequate water intake or to excessive water loss ( eg, severe vomiting, diarrhea, Addison disease , and diabetic acidosis) or as a result of increased production of proteins.
What is the name of the test that measures the type of protein in the fluid?
Protein electrophoresis - serum. This lab test measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample. This fluid is called serum. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
What are proteins made of?
Proteins are made from amino acids and are important parts of all cells and tissues. There are many different kinds of proteins in the body, and they have many different functions. Examples of proteins include enzymes, certain hormones, hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol), and others.
What is the name of the protein that is made up of fat and protein?
Lipoprotein electrophoresis determines the amount of proteins made up of protein and fat, called lipoproteins (such as LDL cholesterol).
How does a blood test measure protein?
A laboratory analyzes the blood sample to measure the amount of total protein in your body , among other items. The blood test results often include total protein levels, albumin level and the ratio of albumin to globulins.
What does it mean when your blood is high in protein?
What is high blood protein? High blood protein (hyperproteinemia) means you have more protein in your blood than is normal. Blood contains two main kinds of proteins: albumin and globulins. Blood proteins help your body produce substances it needs to function. These substances include hormones, enzymes and antibodies.
How to treat high protein in blood?
For example, if you have hyperproteinemia because of mild dehydration, your doctor may recommend that you drink more liquids and then recheck your blood.
Why is my protein level high?
Usually, the amount of total protein in your blood is relatively stable. High blood protein may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions , including dehydration, infections like hepatitis C or cancers like multiple myeloma. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
What is protein test?
A blood test provides information on high blood protein. Protein levels are often included as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, a blood test ordered by doctors as part of an overall examination. The health provider collects a blood sample through a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm. A laboratory analyzes the blood sample to measure the amount of total protein in your body, among other items.
Is high protein a disease?
High blood protein is not a disease. It is a sign of another underlying medical problem. Many diseases or medical conditions may cause elevated protein blood levels (hyperproteinemia) or an imbalance of the ratio of albumin to globulins. These conditions include: Dehydration.