Test Code TP Total Protein
Specimen and Container/Tube
Specimen Type: Plasma
Preferred Specimen: Li-Heparin Mint Green Top
Other Acceptable specimens: Serum/Gold Top, Serum/Red Top, Plasma/Lavendar K2 Top
Specimen Stability
Storage Temperature |
Stability |
Room temperature |
6 days |
Refrigerated |
4 weeks |
Frozen |
1 year |
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen per standard laboratory collection procedures.
Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions
UCMC Onsite Instructions:
Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately.
UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions:
- Samples should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
- Centrifuge specimens at >2500 x g for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Aliquot sample into plastic transport tube containing a minimum of 0.2 mL of specimen.
- Samples must be sent room temperature at 15-25oC.
Rejection Criteria
- Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits.
- Specimens that are clotted or grossly hemolyzed.
- Specimens that were transported unspun/whole blood and draw time is greater than 6 hours.
Reference Values
Test |
Age |
Sex |
Reference Range |
Total Protein |
All |
All |
6.0-8.3 g/dL |
Critical Values
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory.
STAT Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Routine Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Testing Schedule: 24/7
Clinical Indications
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.
Test Components
Total Protein
Methodology
Endpoint Colorimetric Assay Spectrophotometric (Roche Diagnostics)
CPT Codes
84155
LOINC Codes
2885-2
Synonyms/Keyword Search
N/A
Additional Information
- Results should always be assessed in conjunction with patient's medical history, clinical examination and other findings.
- The total protein concentration is 0.4 to 0.8 g/dL lower when the sample is collected from a patient situated in the recumbent position rather than upright.
Last Review Date
8/19/2024
Volume
Preferred Volume: 0.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL