Total Protein

There are two major types of protein in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin makes up most of the protein in the blood, while the rest are called globulins. Albumin helps keep fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and moves hormones, medicines, vitamins, and other substances throughout your body. Albumin is made in the liver. Globulins help fight infection and move nutrients throughout your body. Some globulins are made by the liver. Others are made by the immune system.

The test also compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the amount of globulin. This comparison is called the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. This test can check how well your liver and kidneys are working and if you are lacking some nutrients needed for good health.

You may get this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, which is often included in a routine checkup. You may also need this test to check for or monitor a health condition that affects protein levels.

Your results will show whether you have normal, low, or high total protein levels and if you have a normal, low, or high albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio.

Low total protein may be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or malabsorption syndromes (such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease). It can also occur in conditions where protein is lost through the gut.

High total protein may be a sign of an infection such as HIV or viral hepatitis, or multiple myeloma. It can also be seen with autoimmune liver disease and ongoing inflammation. Monoclonal gammopathies (a group of disorders involving abnormal antibody-producing cells) are another possible cause of elevated levels.

A low A/G ratio may be caused by autoimmune diseases like lupus, liver disease including cirrhosis, or kidney disease. A high A/G ratio may be caused by certain genetic disorders or leukemia.

Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other blood tests to understand what these findings mean for you.