What is the Total Protein test?

The Total Protein blood test measures the combined amount of all proteins in the blood serum, mainly albumin and globulins. These proteins play essential roles in maintaining fluid balance, immune defence, and transport of hormones and nutrients.

Albumin is primarily produced by the liver and helps maintain oncotic pressure, while globulins include antibodies and other immune-related proteins. The balance between these protein groups provides insight into liver function, nutritional status, and immune activity.

Total protein is often interpreted alongside albumin, globulin, and protein electrophoresis for deeper clinical insight.

Why do I need a test for Total Protein?

Abnormal total protein levels may reflect dehydration, malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or immune system disorders. Testing helps identify underlying issues that may not yet be causing symptoms.

It is particularly useful when investigating unexplained fatigue, swelling, infections, or abnormal liver or kidney results.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness

• Unexplained weight loss or poor nutrition

• Swelling or fluid retention

• Frequent or recurrent infections

• Known liver or kidney disease

• Abnormal albumin or globulin levels

• Monitoring chronic illness

• General health screening

Benefits of the Total Protein test

1. Assesses overall protein status
   Provides a snapshot of serum protein levels.

2. Supports liver function assessment
   Liver disease can reduce protein production.

3. Helps evaluate nutritional status
   Low levels may indicate malnutrition or malabsorption.

4. Reflects immune system activity
   Elevated globulins may indicate immune activation.

5. Supports kidney disease evaluation
   Protein loss may lower total protein levels.

6. Complements albumin and globulin testing
   Useful as part of broader protein assessment.

7. Helps detect dehydration
   Concentration effects can raise protein levels.

8. Non-invasive routine health marker
   Simple blood test with broad clinical relevance.

Step-by-step – how we offer Total Protein testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Total Protein results explained

Low total protein levels

Low levels may indicate reduced protein intake, impaired protein production, or protein loss through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. Chronic liver disease and malnutrition are common causes.

Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling, and poor immunity.

UK reference range:

• Low: <60 g/L

Normal total protein levels

Normal levels suggest balanced protein production and immune activity. This indicates adequate nutrition and normal liver function at the time of testing.

Further interpretation may consider albumin and globulin fractions.

UK reference range:

• Normal: 60–80 g/L

High total protein levels

High levels may result from dehydration or increased globulin production due to chronic inflammation, infection, or immune disorders.

Further investigation may include protein electrophoresis.

UK reference range:

• High: >80 g/L