PROTEIN, TOTAL, PLASMA

Clinical Significance
Protein, Total, Plasma - The total plasma protein level is the sum of all circulating proteins, including fibrinogen, that are major components of blood. Total protein measurements are useful 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.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Alternative Specimen(s)
Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Collection Instructions
Separate plasma from cells promptly

Note: For serum Protein Total, please see test code 754

Transport Container
Transport tube

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis • Serum • Any anticoagulant other than lithium or sodium heparin

Setup Schedule

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Reference Range(s)
     Male    Female
<1 Month    4.4-6.6 g/dL    4.5-6.5 g/dL
1-5 Months    5.0-7.0 g/dL    4.7-6.9 g/dL
6-11 Months    5.8-7.3 g/dL    5.9-8.2 g/dL
1-19 Years    6.6-8.5 g/dL    6.6-8.5 g/dL
>19 Years    6.4-8.4 g/dL    6.4-8.4 g/dL