Liver Function (LFTs)

Total Protein

Q: What is the normal range for Total Protein?

The standard teaching reference range for Total Protein is 6-8.3 g/dL in conventional units, or 60-83 g/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

Q: What causes a high Total Protein?

Common causes of a high Total Protein: Dehydration; Multiple myeloma (globulins); Chronic inflammation.

Q: What causes a low Total Protein?

Common causes of a low Total Protein: Liver disease; Malnutrition; Nephrotic syndrome; Malabsorption.

Normal range 6-8.3 g/dL (60-83 g/L SI). Specimen: Serum.

Also known as: serum total protein.

6-8.3 g/dLReference range

Reference range

Conventionalg/dL

68.3

SIg/L

6083

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for Total Protein; those can be narrower than the band shown.

Total Protein reference range, specimen, and conversion details
Specimen	Serum
Conventional range	6-8.3 g/dL
SI range	60-83 g/L
Conversion factor	×10 (conventional → SI)
Panel	Liver Function (LFTs)

Convert any Total Protein result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Total Protein?

The standard teaching reference range for Total Protein is 6-8.3 g/dL in conventional units, or 60-83 g/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

What causes a high Total Protein?

Dehydration
Multiple myeloma (globulins)
Chronic inflammation

What causes a high Total Protein? Read as its own page

Below the range

What causes a low Total Protein?

Liver disease
Malnutrition
Nephrotic syndrome
Malabsorption

What causes a low Total Protein? Read as its own page

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

Equals albumin plus globulins; interpret with the albumin fraction.

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