Total Protein · high result
What does a high Total Protein mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Total Protein?
- age 18+: 6.30 – 8.30 g/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Total Protein biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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)
What symptoms go with high Total Protein?
- Usually none
- Bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, anemia in myeloma
What do 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
How do you recheck Total Protein?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Kidney Health Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $64.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| Gut Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | Test · 14 biomarkers | $22.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
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.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.