When you go for a routine checkup, your doctor will order a few blood tests, right? One of the most familiar tests you'll ever have is the Total Serum Protein. This measures the amount of protein in your blood. Although it's a very simple test, it can provide clues about your general health and, in some cases, even serious illnesses. So, let's talk about it in a little more detail today.
What is Total Serum Protein?
Simply put, this is about the types of proteins in our blood. Imagine, most of these proteins in our blood are made by our liver . These are essential for the healthy functioning of our body.
Among these, there are two main types of proteins:
- Albumin: This is the most abundant protein in our blood. It is used to transport things like medications and hormones throughout the body. It also helps in tissue growth and wound healing.
- Globulin: This is not a single protein, but a group of proteins. Some of these are produced by the liver, while others are made by our immune system . Their main function is to fight infection and transport nutrients throughout the body.
The Total Serum Protein test measures all of these proteins together. Not only that, it also measures the amount of albumin in relation to the amount of globulin. We call this the “A/G ratio.”
A healthy person should have slightly more albumin than globulin in their body. However, if you have a certain illness, this ratio may change.
Why do I need to take this test?
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, but they may also recommend it for these reasons:
- Make sure you are getting the nutrition you need.
- Screen for liver, kidney, or blood conditions.
- Check if you are at risk of developing an infection.
- Find out what is causing any symptoms you are having (e.g. sudden weight loss, extreme fatigue).
How do you take the test? What do you need to know?
This is very simple. At the lab, a technician takes a sample of your blood. This is usually taken from a vein in your arm. Sometimes it can be taken from a fingertip. In newborns, it is taken from a small puncture in the heel (heel stick).
But there are a few things you need to know before taking this test.
- Medications you are taking: Some medications you are taking, such as birth control pills, can reduce the amount of protein in your blood. This can affect the test results. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as well as any herbal supplements, vitamins, or other supplements you are taking.
- Dehydration: Another important thing is to drink plenty of water before the test. If the body is dehydrated, the results can also be different. It can also be a little difficult to draw blood. So remember to drink plenty of water from the day before the test.
You can usually get the report within about 12 hours.
What does the report say?
The 'normal range', or what is considered healthy, can vary slightly from lab to lab. Therefore, when your doctor looks at your report, he or she will compare it to your overall health and previous reports. Sometimes, a value that is outside the 'normal range' may still be normal for your body.
You can get a little idea from this table.
| Result | Possible Implications |
|---|---|
| Decreased Total Protein Value | A disease of the liver or kidneys. Or, a digestive system disease such as Celiac Disease , where the body cannot properly absorb protein. This can also be seen in nutritional deficiencies. |
| Increased Total Protein Value | It can be a sign of a chronic infection or inflammation in the body, such as HIV/AIDS or viral hepatitis . It can also be an early sign of a bone marrow disorder . |
| Decrease in A/G Ratio | It could be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's own immune system attacks healthy cells. Or it could be a sign of kidney disease or cirrhosis, where the liver becomes inflamed and scars that don't heal. In some cases, it could be a sign of a bone marrow cancer, such as multiple myeloma . |
| Increase in A/G Ratio | It can be a sign of liver, kidney, or intestinal disease. It is also associated with conditions such as low thyroid activity and leukemia . |
What happens next if the results are abnormal?
If your doctor thinks that any value in your report is too low or too high, he or she will ask you to do some more specific tests. These may be blood tests or urine tests.
For example, if your Total Serum Protein level is elevated or you have other unexplained symptoms, your doctor may order a test called Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) . This is a test that looks for plasma cell diseases like Multiple Myeloma.
The most important thing is not to panic when you see the values on the report. Your doctor will explain your results clearly and tell you what further tests you need to do, if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Total Serum Protein is a simple blood test that provides important information about your general health.
- This mainly measures the levels of two types of proteins called albumin and globulin.
- Abnormal results may indicate liver, kidney, nutritional deficiencies, or immune system problems.
- Things like medications you are taking and dehydration can affect the results, so be sure to inform your doctor about this before the test.
- Never be afraid to interpret a lab report on your own. Always discuss the results with your doctor and seek necessary advice.
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