Total Protein levels: what's normal, high and low
The total of albumin and globulins in your blood. A general nutrition and liver/kidney indicator.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Total Protein is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 6.30 – 8.30 g/dL. At TestWell it's $22.99 all-in as Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- g/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $22.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Total Protein Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 6.30 – 8.30 g/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a high Total Protein mean?
High total protein is usually dehydration concentrating the blood, or a genuine increase in antibodies from chronic inflammation, infection (including hepatitis and HIV), autoimmune disease or, less commonly, multiple myeloma and related conditions. A high total protein with a normal or low albumin is the pattern that prompts a protein electrophoresis.
Common causes of a high Total Protein
- Dehydration
- Chronic inflammation or infection: hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis
- Autoimmune disease
- Multiple myeloma, MGUS, Waldenström's (high globulins with normal/low albumin)
- Prolonged tourniquet during the draw (mild false high)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Usually none
- Bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, anemia in myeloma
What clinicians usually check next
- Albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio
- Repeat hydrated
- Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation if globulins are high or the ratio is low
What is the globulin gap?
Total protein minus albumin. A gap above ~4 g/dL means a lot of antibody protein and is a common trigger for an electrophoresis to look for a monoclonal protein.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Total Protein mean?
Low total protein reflects low albumin, low globulins, or both: inflammation, liver disease, kidney protein loss, malnutrition or malabsorption, and overhydration lower albumin; immune deficiencies lower globulins. Pregnancy lowers it mildly. The albumin value points to the cause; a low total protein with a normal albumin suggests low antibodies.
Common causes of a low Total Protein
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Nephrotic syndrome — protein lost in urine
- Malnutrition, malabsorption, protein-losing gut conditions
- Inflammation and acute illness
- Immunoglobulin deficiency
- Overhydration, pregnancy
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Swelling of the legs or abdomen
- Fatigue, frequent infections if antibodies are low
What clinicians usually check next
- Albumin, liver panel, urine protein
- CRP; immunoglobulins if albumin is normal
- Nutritional assessment
Follow-up tests at TestWell: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
Low total protein but normal albumin — what does it mean?
The shortfall is in globulins — antibody proteins — so a clinician usually checks immunoglobulin levels, especially if you get frequent infections.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Total Protein test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Total Protein is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | This marker only | $22.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $49.99 |
| Gout Panel | 3 tests | $62.99 |
| Kidney Health Panel | 4 tests | $64.99 |
| Peptide Essentials Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Total Protein: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $22.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $22.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $25.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Frequently asked
What does a high Total Protein mean?
High total protein is usually dehydration concentrating the blood, or a genuine increase in antibodies from chronic inflammation, infection (including hepatitis and HIV), autoimmune disease or, less commonly, multiple myeloma and related conditions. A high total protein with a normal or low albumin is the pattern that prompts a protein electrophoresis.
What is the globulin gap?
Total protein minus albumin. A gap above ~4 g/dL means a lot of antibody protein and is a common trigger for an electrophoresis to look for a monoclonal protein.
What does a low Total Protein mean?
Low total protein reflects low albumin, low globulins, or both: inflammation, liver disease, kidney protein loss, malnutrition or malabsorption, and overhydration lower albumin; immune deficiencies lower globulins. Pregnancy lowers it mildly. The albumin value points to the cause; a low total protein with a normal albumin suggests low antibodies.
Low total protein but normal albumin — what does it mean?
The shortfall is in globulins — antibody proteins — so a clinician usually checks immunoglobulin levels, especially if you get frequent infections.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my total protein?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Total Protein results?
Most Total Protein results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Total Protein test cost?
Our Comprehensive Metabolic Panel starts at $22.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Total Protein test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my Total Protein test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a Total Protein result?
Dehydration can change a Total Protein result without anything being wrong. Dehydration can raise Total Protein — hydrate normally. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your total protein?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $22.99.