A total protein test is a common blood test that measures the amount of protein circulating in your bloodstream. This measurement provides a general overview of your body’s nutritional status and can offer initial insights into the function of organs like the liver and kidneys. This article will help you interpret a specific total protein result and understand potential implications.
What is Total Protein?
Total protein refers to the combined concentration of all proteins present in the liquid part of your blood, known as plasma or serum. The two primary types of proteins measured in a total protein test are albumin and globulins.
Albumin, which constitutes over half of the total protein, is primarily produced by the liver and helps regulate fluid balance by preventing leakage from blood vessels. It also transports various substances throughout the body, including hormones, vitamins, and medications. Globulins, a diverse group of proteins, are involved in immune function, helping to fight infections, and also transport substances. There are different types of globulins, including alpha, beta, and gamma globulins, each with specific roles.
Interpreting a Total Protein Level of 8.4
A total protein level of 8.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) is typically considered elevated. The generally accepted normal reference range for total protein in adults is between 6.0 and 8.3 g/dL, although this range can vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory and the testing method used. An elevated total protein level, also known as hyperproteinemia, indicates a higher-than-usual concentration of these proteins in the blood. This finding is not a diagnosis on its own but rather a laboratory observation that prompts further investigation. It suggests that either the body is producing more proteins, or the fluid content of the blood has decreased, leading to a more concentrated protein level.
Common Reasons for Elevated Total Protein
Several factors can lead to an elevated total protein level. Dehydration is a frequent cause. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the blood plasma becomes more concentrated, making the protein levels appear higher than they actually are.
Elevated total protein can also be a sign of increased globulin production due to inflammation or infection. The body’s immune response to conditions like viral hepatitis (B or C) or HIV can lead to higher globulin levels. Certain chronic conditions may also contribute to elevated protein. These include some autoimmune diseases, which can cause an overproduction of globulins, or specific blood disorders like multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer that involves an abnormal increase in certain proteins. Kidney conditions that affect protein excretion or certain liver conditions can also influence total protein levels.
Next Steps After Your Result
An elevated total protein result like 8.4 g/dL warrants a consultation with your healthcare provider. This result is a piece of a larger puzzle and needs to be evaluated within the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history to determine the potential underlying cause.
Your doctor may order additional tests. These could include an albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio, which compares the levels of these two main protein types, or specific tests to assess kidney and liver function. In some cases, a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test might be performed to identify the specific types of proteins that are elevated, which can help pinpoint the source, such as the liver or bone marrow. An elevated total protein level does not automatically indicate a serious condition, but it does require medical evaluation to understand its significance.