Proteins are the building blocks in the human body for many organs, hormones, and enzymes. They are necessary for our body's growth and development. Proteins are very crucial for maintaining the overall health of a human...
Introduction
Proteins are the building blocks in the human body for many organs, hormones, and enzymes. They are necessary for our body's growth and development. Proteins are very crucial for maintaining the overall health of a human and hence it is imperative to do routine health checkups, including a total protein test.
A total protein test is a not-to-be-missed examination for everyone because it provides us with a measure of the total number of proteins present in our body fluid. The test is conducted by examining protein in either urine or the liquid part of our blood, which is referred to as serum in medical terms. Our blood comprises albumin and globulin. Albumin proteins prevent fluid from leaking out of our blood vessels. While on the other hand, globulin proteins are indispensable for our immune system.
The protein level in an individual is governed by age, dietary habits, and other factors. It is important to note that a very high or low level of protein may indicate inflammation, liver ailment, and other health concerns.
When someone has too many or too few proteins, it may cause unexpected weight loss, too much fatigue, or inflammatory disease. Hence, the total protein test is a great diagnostic technique to diagnose liver and kidney diseases, apart from other conditions.
It is good to know about the total protein test, how the results are interpreted, and what implications normal or abnormal protein may have on a person.
Blood Protein test
So, when a serum total protein test is conducted, it gives us the amount of albumin and globulin present in our blood’s serum portion.
About half of the total protein present in blood plasma is albumin protein. Its purpose is to regulate oncotic pressure in the plasma so that water doesn’t leak out of the blood vessels.
Globulin proteins, on the other hand, have different functions and they also vary in size and weight. They are classified in terms of how they migrate on electrophoresis, including α1, α2, β, and γ fractions. They constitute carrier proteins, complements, enzymes, and immunoglobulins, which are also known as antibodies.
Urine Protein test
A urine total protein test helps by detecting the amounts of protein a person has in the urine. Our kidneys keep filtering albumin and other proteins from the blood. So, small amounts of protein may be present in the urine. But, when there is any issue with the urinary tract, like a chronic kidney condition, it may result in leakage of large amounts of protein.
Knowing the normal level of protein in urine and blood
In laboratories, the technicians may consider total protein ranges that are slightly different, based on the testing equipment and method they use.
However, to consider it a normal range for protein levels in blood serum, it should be six to eight grams per deciliter (g/dl). Out of this, albumin constitutes 3.5 to 5.0 g/dl, and the remaining is total globulins. These ranges are not universal but may vary between different labs.
Usually, a person flushes out less than 150 milligrams (mg) of total protein through urine and it is less than 20 mg of albumin every 24 hours.
High or low serum or urine protein levels are not much of a concern. It does not always imply a chronic medical condition. Even everyday factors can affect a person’s protein levels. They could be:
- Intense exercise
- Dietary habits
- Stress level
- Age factor
- The hydration level during the test
- Pregnancy
- Taking hormonal birth control pills
- Complications post-surgery, etc
When should one consider taking a protein test?
In normal situations also a physician is likely to order a serum total protein test when a person goes for a routine health checkup. The doctor may then suggest going for this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
Your doctor may also order a total protein test when he wants to diagnose the underlying conditions that impact protein levels.
It is conducted to monitor recovery for people during treatment. People who have medical conditions like gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, or kidneys, may be asked to take this test as a follow-up protocol. It would help their doctors to analyze their recovery.
A total protein test is also done under the following circumstances:
- Unexplained and unexpected weight loss
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Undue fatigue
- Edema or swelling because of high tissue fluid
- Problems during urinating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Signs of nutritional deficiency, etc.
What happens when protein levels are high?
When one has a consistently high serum total protein levels it may signal the following health problems:
- Inflammation due to infections, such as HIV or viral hepatitis
- Cancers, such as multiple myeloma
- Dehydration
- Chronic kidney condition
- Liver ailment
What does it mean to have low protein levels?
When the serum total protein levels are low it could be due to any of the following health problems:
- Malnutrition
- Mal-absorption disorders.
- Liver condition
- Kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis
- Congestive heart failure, etc.
A lab not only investigates the serum total protein level, but also examines the ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio. It is mainly because certain conditions affect the amounts of albumin or globulin in the blood.
Conclusion
We have seen that proteins play a vital role in helping vital bodily functions, like digestion, blood clotting, and producing energy. Hence, a total protein test is so important to detect the amount of protein we have in our blood serum or urine. If you want to know the protein test price, talk to the healthcare facility or doctor to get an exact quote. There may be a difference in the protein test price in different laboratories.
FAQs
Does the protein test require fasting?
There is no special preparation required to test for albumin in blood. If your doctor ordered other blood tests along with it, you may need to fast for several hours before the test. But confirm this with the physician first.
Why is testing for proteins important?
A total protein test is important because it detects the amount of protein in our blood. Since proteins are crucial for one’s the health and growth of the body's cells and tissues, this test can e very beneficial to diagnose several health issues including kidney disease.
Which reagent is used to test for protein?
Biuret solution is used in protein tests. It is a blue-colored reagent used in biochemistry to detect the presence of proteins in a sample.
How long does it take for protein test results?
These results of a protein test are usually provided to the doctor within 24 hours. It is a complete metabolic panel, which is a blood test that measures albumin and total protein.
What is a normal total protein?
It is called the normal range when total protein is 60 to 80 grams per liter (g/L). It is a normal range of albumin when it is 35 to 52 g/L. But the normal range for globulins can be different by specific type. If some have low protein levels, they may have a liver or kidney problem.
What causes high protein?
High protein results due to chronic inflammation. It may also be due to viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS. Even blood cancers and acute liver or kidney diseases may also cause high protein.
What causes protein deficiency?
Protein deficiency is a result of underlying health conditions. These diseases create problems in digestion and in absorption. There is poor use of proteins from food.
How do you reduce protein in your blood?
It can be done by reducing meat and eating more vegetables and grains. It is a very effective way to reduce protein intake. To achieve this, veggies and grains should form the main course of meals, with supplementary protein.
How do you increase protein in your blood?
By consuming red meat one can increase protein in the blood. It is a great way to raise the levels of protein in your blood. Just be sure to enjoy a leaner cut.
What does total protein indicate?
The total protein in a person’s blood is a measure of albumin and globulin levels. If there are high levels it may indicate that the person has inflammation or infection. When there are low levels, it may suggest kidney issues, malnutrition, and any other potential conditions. Albumin and globulin are two types of protein in the human body.
