The body comprises tissues and cells. In essence, proteins are the primary manufacturing blocks of all body tissues. Without an adequate supply of proteins in the body, your organs will malfunction. The resulting experience is a low immune system and a host of other medical conditions. That is why having a total protein blood test should be part of your routine tests. Today, we will have a closer look at what is a protein blood test and why a total protein blood test is essential to you.
What Is The Total Protein Blood Test?
Your blood is significantly made of protein. The requisite balance is necessary for your health. Any surge or decrease in the levels of protein in the body system triggers a wide range of ailments. The total protein blood test is the overall look at the representation of the total protein levels in the blood. A total protein blood test can establish any variation in the whole protein composition.
In particular, protein blood test tends to establish the levels of two proteins, albumin, and globulin. The two are vital in the body for their functions. Albumin insulates the blood vessels from letting liquids leaking out to the body. Globulin boosts the immune system in fighting foreign elements. A balance in the blood protein, primary albumin to globulin ratio is vital for your adequate living.
Generally, it is good for one to have a regular check on the test. However, the doctor may subject you to get the test done if you manifest some of these symptoms;
- Rapid weight loss without a known trigger
- Extreme fatigue
- Edema, or the retention of fluids in body tissues
- The manifestation of malfunctions in the kidney
- Symptoms of liver failure
Total Protein Blood Test Range
The reference range of the total protein blood ranges slightly varies from one medical laboratory to the other. This may also depend on;
- The variant testing methods available
- Age of person
- Gender
- Medication
But, the most acceptable range lies between 6 to 8.3 g/dL or grams per deciliter. Any results higher or lower than that may need further examination for possible underlying conditions.
Total Protein Blood Test High – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Blood protein levels above 8.3 g/dL are considered as high.
Causes
Several causes contribute to high blood protein levels. The most prevalent are;
1. Severe Dehydration
The less intake of water slows the synthesis of proteins in the body. In turn, a high presence of total protein levels occurs.
2. Stress
In a recent study, researchers found a correlation between high levels of stress and high total protein levels in the blood.
3. Autoimmune Conditions
Under severe inflammation, the body increases the production of specific proteins to help heal the body.
4. Liver Disease
Liver cirrhosis is a disease that renders the liver incapable of regulating protein production. This lets more protein into the bloodstream.
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, you may be at risk of high total protein levels in the blood;
- Nausea and lack of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Severe fatigue
- Numbness
- Dizziness
Treatment
There is no known treatment for high total protein levels in the blood. Since the causes of it are diverse, treatment of the underlying causes is the best approach to arresting the situation.
Total Protein Blood Test Low- Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
A protein blood test with results lower than 6 g/dL is classified as low.
Causes
As in the high blood protein levels, the causes of low total protein levels in the blood are diverse. These include;
1. Malnutrition
A lower intake of protein in the diet produces a deficiency and low metabolism. The body then has little in releasing proteins into the bloodstream.
2. Blood Diseases
Blood disorders produce defective protein cells, which, in turn, form defective blood cells. This lowers the volume of healthy blood cells.
3. Diabetes
Researchers show that high protein levels create high resistance to insulin intake in people. Thus diabetic patients with a regular dosage of insulin tend to lower the formation of blood protein levels.
4. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Digestive diseases block the body from absorbing proteins from your food. The inadequate intake leads to fewer metabolisms and the production of protein to the body.
Treatment
If the deficiency is from malnutrition, then an introduction of a high protein and less fat diet is prudent. But the causes of this condition are many. You have to ascertain the trigger from a total protein blood test. Depending on the cause, the doctor will discuss the underlying condition. Then you can agree on the type of procedure to undertake going forward.
Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing websites.
