Search Catalog
Protein, Total
TP
Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube (SST)
Alternate Tube: Lithium Heparin (Plasma)
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge specimens and remove the serum or plasma from the cellular material within 4 hours of collection.
Methodology
The VITROS TP Slide is a multilayered, analytical element coated on a polyester support. The method of analysis is based on the biuret reaction, which produces a violet complex when protein reacts with cupric ion (Cu+2) in an alkaline medium.
A drop of patient sample is deposited on the slide and is evenly distributed by the spreading layer to the underlying layers. When the fluid penetrates the reagent layer, the reagent diffuses up to the spreading layer and reacts with protein. The reaction between protein and copper tartrate takes place largely in the spreading layer where the protein is confined because of its high molecular weight.
The amount of colored complex formed is proportional to the amount of total protein in the sample and is measured by reflectance spectrophotometry.
Serum proteins transport drugs and metabolites and maintain plasma osmotic pressure. Most serum proteins are synthesized in the liver, with the exception of gamma globulins. One of the most important serum proteins produced in the liver is albumin. Total serum protein concentration can be used for evaluation of nutritional status. Causes of high total serum protein concentration include dehydration, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, hyperglobulinemia, granulomatous diseases, and some tropical diseases. Total protein concentration is occasionally increased in collagen diseases, lupus erythematosus, and other instances of chronic infection or inflammation. Causes of low total serum protein concentration include pregnancy, excessive intravenous fluid administration, cirrhosis or other liver diseases, chronic alcoholism, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia, protein-losing enteropathies, malabsorption, and severe malnutrition.
Reference Values
`
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Available STAT
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84155