- Reference values
- When to take the exam
- What the exam result means
- 1. Low total proteins
- 2. High total proteins
- What may be proteins in the urine
The measurement of total proteins in the blood reflects the nutritional status of the person, and can be used in the diagnosis of kidney, liver and other disorders. If the total protein levels are altered, further tests should be carried out to identify which specific protein is altered, so that the correct diagnosis can be made.
Proteins are very important structures for the proper functioning of the organism, taking a variety of forms such as albumin, antibodies and enzymes, performing functions such as fighting diseases, regulating body functions, building muscle, and transporting substances throughout the body.
Reference values
The reference values for people aged 3 years and over are:
- Total proteins: 6 to 8 g / dL Albumin: 3 to 5 g / dL Globulin: between 2 and 4 g / dL.
However, these values should be used as a guide and may vary slightly between laboratories.
To perform this test, the measurement is made on the serum that is taken from the blood sample, and it usually takes between 3 to 8 hours of fasting before taking the sample, however, you should consult the laboratory for more information about preparation for this exam.
When to take the exam
The examination of total proteins can only be part of a routine examination, or it can be performed in cases of recent weight loss, when there are signs and symptoms of kidney or liver disease, or to investigate fluid accumulation in the tissues.
Fractions can also be measured, which consists of the fractionation of proteins into two large groups, albumin and the other with the rest, in which most of it is globulin, to make a more accurate diagnosis.
What the exam result means
Changing values of protein levels can be indicators of various diseases, depending heavily on the protein that is altered.
1. Low total proteins
Possible causes that lead to decreased protein in the blood are:
- Chronic alcoholism; Liver diseases, which impair the production of albumin and globulin in the liver; Renal diseases due to loss of protein in the urine; Pregnancy; Excessive hydration; Cirrhosis; Hyperthyroidism; Calcium and vitamin D deficiency; Heart failure; Syndrome malabsorption.
In addition, severe malnutrition can also lead to a reduction in protein levels in the blood. See what to eat to normalize protein levels.
2. High total proteins
The possible causes that lead to an increase in proteins in the blood are:
- Increased antibody production in some infectious diseases; Cancer, especially in multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia; Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, Granulomatous diseases; Dehydration, because blood plasma gets more concentrated; Hepatitis B, C and autoimmune; Amyloidosis, which consists of abnormal protein accumulation in various organs and cellular tissues.
Although the decrease in protein levels may be a sign of malnutrition, a high protein diet does not raise protein levels in the blood.
What may be proteins in the urine
Proteins can also be quantified in urine, in cases of proteinuria, in which the amount of protein is higher than normal. Generally, proteins cannot pass through the glomeruli or kidney filters during the filtration of the blood, due to their size, however it is normal to find residual amounts.
However, there are some situations that can cause a temporary increase in protein levels, which may result from exposure to intense cold, heat, high fever, intense physical activity or stress, not a cause for concern, or an increase that lasts for more time, which may be a sign of the presence of disorders such as kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Learn more about proteinuria.
