Examination
17416
Total protein
Purpose of test
The main reason for requesting a total protein include
1. assessment of liver function
2. investigation of suspected protein abnormalities
3. in quantification of serum protein electrophoresis
Sample
Blood
Sample Tube/Container
Adult- Yellow top or Green top Lithium Heparin Gel
Paediatric- Green top Lithium Heparin Gel
Sample Volume
4ml
Minimum (see calculation of minimum volume)
Special Precautions
No specific requirements
Request Form:
Clinical Chemistry & Haematology Requests
Laboratory
Biochemistry
Biological reference range
Adult
Up to 1 week
Up to 7 months
Up to 1 year
Up to 3 years
>3 years
Clinical decision values
No specific requirements
60 - 80 g/L
46 – 70 g/L
44 – 76 g/L
51 – 73 g/L
56 – 75 g/L
60 - 80 g/L
Factors affecting performance Affected by hydration state
The total protein concentration is 4 to 8 g/L lower when the
sample is collected from a patient situated in the
recumbent position rather than upright
In very rare cases gammopathy, in particular type IgM
(Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable
results
Turnaround times:
The Laboratory aims to report 90% of requests within the
stated time from receipt
Urgent - 1 hour
Ward - 4 hours
GP and OPD – 1 working day
Patient preparation
No specific requirements
Instructions for patient
collected sample
No specific requirements
Sample transportation
No specific requirements
Special handling needs
No specific requirements
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Patient consent required
Implied consent
Specific rejection criteria
Generic rejection applies
Additional information
Part of Liver Profile
Stability
Whole blood - 1 day at room temperature
Serum/plasma – 4 weeks at 2-8˚C
Samples are kept in the laboratory for a maximum of 5
days post analysis
Minimum Retest Intervals- see liver profile
References
- Lab Tests Online
- Roche insert 2015-02 v7.0
- WHO use of anticoagulants in diagnostic laboratory
investigations
- National Minimum Re‐testing Interval Project: A final
report detailing consensus recommendations for minimum
re‐testing intervals for use in Clinical Biochemistry 2012
- Pathology Harmony
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