The total protein test is a rough measure of all the proteins found in the fluid portion of your blood. Specifically it looks at the total amount of two classes of proteins: albumin and globulin.
Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. For example, albumin helps maintain a certain type of blood pressure by preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.
Alternative Names:
TP
How the test is performed:
Blood is drawn from a vein or a capillary. The blood sample is placed into a machine called a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate the serum from the cells. The total protein test is done on serum.
How to prepare for the test:
Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect the test.
Drugs that can increase total protein measurements include anabolic steroids, androgens, corticosteroids, dextran, growth hormone, insulin, phenazopyridine, and progesterone.
Drugs that can decrease total protein measurements include ammonium ions, estrogens, hepatotoxic drugs, and oral contraceptives.
Review Date: 5/17/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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