Health Lab

Test Name:

PROTEIN, TOTAL SERUM

Test Code:

2120174

Alias:

LAB118

CPT Code(s):

84155

Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL serum

Container:

SST (gold)

Alternate Container:

Lithium Heparin (Lt green)

Minimum Volume:

0.3 mL serum or plasma
This volume does not allow for repeat testing.

Collection Instructions:

Allow specimen to completely clot (this can take up to 60 minutes). Centrifuge for 15 minutes. The serum should be physically separated from contact with cells within two hours from the time of collection. If the specimen is collected in an anticoagulant tube without a gel barrier, centrifuge and transfer plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube within 2 hours of collection.

Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated

Stability:

Room temperature: 7 days

Refrigerated: 30 days

Limitations:

In very rare cases, gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Schedule:

Set up Daily; Results in 24-48 hours

Method:

Colorimetric Assay

Clinical Significance:

Total Protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow, as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders.

Reference Ranges:

Updated 02/17/22

Reference Range Table

Result	Units	Gender	Age	Range
Total Protein	gm/dL	Both	0 Day - 1 Day	4.6-7.0
Total Protein	gm/dL	Both	1 Day - 7 Day	4.4-7.6
Total Protein	gm/dL	Both	7 Day - 3 Month	3.6-7.4
Total Protein	gm/dL	Both	7 Month - 1 Year	5.1-7.3
Total Protein	gm/dL	Both	1 Year - 3 Year	5.1-7.5
Total Protein	g/dL	Both	3 Year - 4 Year	5.3-8.0
Total Protein	g/dL	Both	5 Year - 18 Year	6.0-8.0
Total Protein	g/dL	Both	18 Year - 999 Year	6.4-8.3

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.