Total protein in g/L. Abnormal results prompt a look at albumin, globulin gap, inflammation, and sometimes electrophoresis.
Total protein sums albumin and the globulin fraction (antibodies and other proteins). Reported in g/L. It is a blunt instrument: useful as a flag, then followed by albumin, globulin gap, CRP, and sometimes serum electrophoresis when the pattern is odd.
Why it matters
High total protein may reflect dehydration or paraproteins; low values track low albumin/globulin states. Further tests are clinician-directed.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
High total protein may reflect dehydration (concentrated blood) or excess globulins (inflammation or, less often, paraproteins). Low total protein usually tracks low albumin and/or low globulins from loss, undernutrition, or liver synthetic problems.
A single abnormal value in an otherwise well person is often repeated with albumin and clinical review rather than acted on alone.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
How it affects the body
Proteins maintain oncotic pressure and include antibodies and transport proteins, a composite snapshot, not a single pathway.
Plasma proteins maintain oncotic pressure, transport hormones and drugs, and include the antibody repertoire. When the mix changes, fluid can leak into tissues (oedema) or immune defence can weaken: depending on which proteins are missing or excessive.
For athletes
Dehydration before weigh-ins concentrates total protein; interpret with albumin and hydration status.
Dehydration before morning bloods or weigh-ins concentrates total protein. After ultras, inflammation and fluid shifts can move albumin and globulins in opposite directions. Use hydrated, rested samples for baselines.
