PROTEIN (TOTAL) - serum

PROTEIN (TOTAL) - serum

Application: Assessment of hydration, nutritional status, protein-losing disorders or liver disease.


Explanation: Albumin and globulin comprise most of the protein in the blood.  Albumin, which is manufactured in the liver, functions mostly to maintain intravascular osmotic pressure, and further serves to transport hormones, enzymes, etc.
   Globulin appears in several varieties: the Gamma globulins are the immune globulins (antibodies).  Alpha1 globulin and Alpha2 globulin include several important transport molecules, cholinesterase, and prothrombin.  Beta1 and Beta2 globulins include plasminogen, transferrin, complement, and fibrinogen.

   Serum globulin and albumin are indicators of nutrition. Undernourished patients have diminished serum protein levels, especially post-surgically. Decreased levels may also be associated with overhydration, chronic liver disease, protein losing disorders (eg nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy), and fluid shifts into the extravascular space (e.g.- burns). Decreased levels may also be seen as part of an acute phase response. Dehydration is a cause of increased serum protein.
   Protein electrophoresis separates the various blood proteins into discrete zones, and several diseases can be associated with distinct electrophoretic patterns



Specimen: 5 ml blood in red-top tube.


Reference Interval:

Neonate:
4.0-7.5 g/dL
Child <2 years:
5.0-7.5 g/dL
Adult:
6.2-8.0 g/dL