Know your Total Protein. Know your health.
Test your Total Protein and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.
Normal range: 6 – 8.3 g/dL (higher is better)
A total protein test measures the combined level of albumin and globulins in your blood. It gives a broad view of your nutritional status, liver function, and immune activity in a single number. It is most useful when interpreted alongside albumin and globulin individually, since the total can look normal even when the two components are shifting in opposite directions.
Total Protein isn't sold on its own. It comes in a comprehensive metabolic panel, about $40. A fuller workup adds Vitamin D ($75), hs-CRP ($69), ApoB ($50), and ApoA1 ($50). You can test Total Protein and 100 other biomarkers for $190 as part of an Empirical membership.
Empirical is FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars. Fast for 8-12 hours beforehand for the most accurate lipid and metabolic results, and expect results in days rather than weeks.
A normal Total Protein is 6 – 8.3 g/dL. Higher is better.
Low total protein can result from malnutrition, liver disease (reduced albumin production), or kidney disease (protein loss in urine). Chronic digestive conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease can impair protein absorption. Severe burns and major surgery also deplete protein.
High total protein is usually driven by elevated globulins from chronic infections, autoimmune disease, or plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma. Dehydration can temporarily concentrate proteins and produce a falsely high reading.
Eating adequate protein from a variety of sources, managing chronic conditions, and staying hydrated all help keep total protein in range. Medications like corticosteroids can lower albumin and shift the balance, while chronic use of certain antibiotics may affect gut absorption.
Total Protein is most highly correlated with Albumin and Globulin. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with Total Protein, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.
The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.
Total Protein is drawn at 2,200+ Quest and BioReference patient service centers across the US, so there's usually one within a short drive. Browse the full directory to find the one closest to you.
Test your Total Protein and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.