Definition
What Total Protein measures
Total protein is the combined concentration of albumin and globulins — the antibody and carrier proteins — in blood. It summarizes two different protein families in one number.
Illustrative sample band · Synthetic
7g/dL
5.8Sample target 6.5–8 g/dL8.5
Why it matters
How clinicians usually read it
Read with albumin, it splits the protein picture: a shift driven by albumin tells a liver-and-nutrition story, while a shift driven by globulins points toward immune activity.
When it reads low
A lower value can mean
A lower total protein can accompany liver or kidney conditions, malabsorption, or overhydration. Which fraction is low matters more than the total.
When it reads high
A higher value can mean
A higher total protein can reflect dehydration or increased antibody production, including chronic infection or inflammation. Persistent unexplained elevation merits follow-up.
Questions for a clinician
Bring the number into a real conversation
01
Is albumin or the globulin fraction driving this result?
02
Could hydration at the draw explain the shift?
03
Would protein electrophoresis add anything if this stays abnormal?
Educational boundary
Educational information only. Displayed ranges are illustrative sample bands, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for the contracted laboratory report and a qualified clinician.
See it as a sample result
The sample dashboard shows an illustrative reading, target band, and trend for Total Protein.