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Test Code TP Total Protein (TP) LAB118

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint Finley Hospital

Test Method

Colorimetric Assay; Roche cobas Pro

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT orders: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Specimen Requirement

  1. Lithium heparin plasma (green) is the specimen of choice. 0.5mL.
  2. Serum (red/gold) and EDTA plasma (purple) are also acceptable sample types.
  3. It is recommended that the serum or plasma be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from time of collection.
  4. Total protein specimens are stable for 6 days at 15-25°C, 4 weeks at 4-8°C, and 1 year at -20°C. 

Useful For

Hypoproteinemia can be caused by diseases and disorders such as loss of blood, sprue, nephrotic syndrome, severe burns, salt retention syndrome and Kwashiorkor (acute protein deficiency). Hyperproteinemia can be observed in cases of severe dehydration and illnesses such as multiple myeloma. Total protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow, as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders.

Reference Values

Age Expected Range 
<1 week 4.6 - 7.0 g/dL 
1 week - 7 months 5.1 - 7.3 g/dL 
7 months - 1 year 5.1 - 7.5 g/dL 
1 - 2 years 5.6 - 7.5 g/dL 
2 - 18 years 6.0 - 8.0 g/dL 
>18 years 6.4 - 8.3 g/dL 

CPT Code Information

84155 Chemistry: Protein; total, except by refractometry;
serum, plasma or whole blood

LOINC Code Information

2885-2 Protein [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma