Measurement of total proteins in the blood reflects a person's nutritional status, and can be used to diagnose kidney, liver, and other disorders. If total protein levels are altered, other tests should be done 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 body, 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 through the body.
Reference values
The total protein reference values for persons aged 3 years or older are 6 to 8 g / dL in blood, where the albumin value should be between 3 and 5 g / dL and the globulin value between 2 and 4 g / dL . However, these values should be used as a guideline and may vary slightly between laboratories.
To do this test, the measurement is done on the serum that is taken from the blood sample, and normally it is necessary between 3 and 8 hours of fasting before collecting, nevertheless, the laboratory should be consulted for more information about preparation for this exam.
When to take the exam
Examination of total proteins may only be part of a routine examination, or it may be done in cases of recent weight loss, when there are signs and symptoms of kidney or liver disease, or to investigate accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
Fraction dosing can also be done, consisting of the fractionation of proteins in two large groups of albumin and another with the remainder, in which the majority is globulin, to make a more precise diagnosis.
What does the test result mean?
Changing the values of protein levels can be indicators of various diseases, depending largely on the protein that is altered.
1. Low total protein
The possible causes that lead to the decrease of proteins 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;
- Excess hydration;
- Cirrhosis;
- Hyperthyroidism;
- Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D;
- Cardiac insufficiency;
- Malabsorption syndrome.
In addition, severe malnutrition can also lead to a reduction in blood protein levels. Here's what to eat to normalize protein levels.
2. High total proteins
Already the possible causes that lead to the increase of the 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 the blood plasma becomes more concentrated;
- Hepatitis B, C and autoimmune;
- Amyloidosis, which consists of abnormal protein accumulation in various organs and cellular tissues.
Although decreased protein levels may be a sign of malnutrition, a high-protein diet does not raise blood protein levels.
What can be proteins in the urine
Proteins can also be quantified in the urine in cases of proteinuria, where the amount of protein is higher than normal. Generally, proteins can not pass through the glomeruli or renal filters during blood filtration due to their size, but it is normal to find residual amounts.
However, there are some situations that may cause a temporary increase in protein levels, and may result from exposure to severe cold, heat, high fever, intense physical activity or stress, not being a cause for concern, or a prolonged increase time, and may be a sign of the presence of disorders such as kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Learn more about proteinuria.
