Total protein

Proven content

Total protein is a test that we perform, among others, in eating disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or suspected liver disease. Proteins are mainly produced in the liver. They fulfill many functions in the body: transport, immune and enzyme.

What is Total Protein?

Total protein consists of all proteins circulating in the human body; we distinguish its two main forms: globulins and albumin. The amount of this protein in the blood can fluctuate. The amount of total protein below the norm results mainly from the decreased concentration of albumin, while the amount above the norm – is a consequence of the increased production of globulins. The concentration of total protein in the blood depends on many factors – including the amount of food consumed with protein (meat, dairy) and its synthesis, i.e. production in specialized tissues (mainly in the liver), as well as the degree of loss of this substance by the system digestive, urinary, lungs and skin.

In addition to these two types of proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, fibrinogen and other proteins that occur periodically due to some disease also circulate in the blood. A significant amount of proteins is synthesized in the liver. What functions do they perform?

1. help to transport hormones,
2. maintain proper pressure inside the blood vessels,
3. are responsible for the correct acid-base balance,
4. play a significant role in the body’s protective mechanism,
5. are a component responsible for maintaining the acid-base balance and the pH of our body (even small fluctuations in pH can lead to death),
6. they correspond to the distribution of fluids between the intravascular and extravascular spaces,
7. take part in blood clotting (e.g. fibrinogen).

Total protein – when do we perform the test?

1. Eating disorders (anorexia, malnutrition in elderly or critically ill people, incorrect diet).

2. Suspicion of protein absorption disorders from the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Diseases of the digestive tract and kidneys leading to protein loss.

4. Suspicion of liver disease (with a decrease in the number of liver cells, there is a reduction in protein production).

5. Edema.

6. Suspicion of neoplastic disease.

7. States of dehydration or overhydration of the body.

8. Disturbed immune system.

9. Burns, haemorrhages, injuries.

10. The presence of inflammation.

You should report to the test on an empty stomach. There are no contraindications for the test. It is necessary to collect blood from a vein in the arm.

Total protein – how to prepare for the test?

1. Material for total protein analysis: serum.
2. Preparation for the total protein test: fasted (at least 8 hours).
3. The course of the examination: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm (blood is taken from a clearly visible vein). In children, a small incision is made in the skin with a lancet to induce a little bleeding. Then the collected material sample is sent further for analysis.
4. Waiting time for the total protein result: 1 day.
5. Norm: 63-79 g/l.

Comments: Protein concentration in the serum is a function of the protein production processes in the liver and the loss of proteins by the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the amount of protein in the diet consumed affects the level of protein (a low-protein diet can lead to hypoproteinemia – decrease in plasma protein levels). Protein concentration does not reflect the concentrations of individual protein fractions, it is a summary study.

What are the test standards for total protein?

The norm of total protein is: 63-79 g/l., of which 55-65 percent are albumin, 3-5 percent are alpha1-globulins, 7-10 percent are alpha2-globulins, 9-13 percent are beta-globulins, 14-20 percent are gamma-globulins.

What does an above normal total protein test show?

An increase in total protein in the blood above 80 g / L is usually due to an increase in the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies).

Above normal total protein testing may suggest:

1. szpiczaka manygiego,
2. light / heavy chain disease,
3. macroglobulinemia Waldenström,
4. inflammations,
5. RA (rheumatoid arthritis),
6. systemic lupus erythematosus,
7. autoimmune diseases,
8. chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis of the liver,
9. dehydration,
10. in some cases: failure to draw blood.

What does a sub-normal total protein test show?

A total protein test below normal range may suggest:

1. malnutrition (insufficient supply of protein in the diet),
2. dehydration,
3. cirrhosis,
4. liver cancer
5. viral hepatitis,
6. toxic liver damage,
7. presence of tumor metastases to the liver,
8. hyperglobulinous scurvy,
9. low-grade fever,
10. fever,
11. sepsis,
12. bronchiectasis
13. digestive and absorption disorders due to gastrointestinal infections, e.g. celiac disease, malabsorption syndrome,
14. collagenosis,
15. kidney disease (e.g. glomerulonephritis)
16. extensive injuries, haemorrhages,
17. overhydration of the body,
18. production of pathological proteins.

Important!

The most dangerous level of total protein is 45 g / l. Below this level, edema is formed and the filling of the vascular bed is significantly reduced, the so-called hypovolemia (proteins are largely responsible for maintaining fluid in the vascular bed, and when there are too few of them – water escapes to the tissues).

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