Total Serum Protein
What To Think About
- If you have abnormal globulin levels, another test called serum protein electrophoresis is often done. This test measures specific groups of proteins in the blood. For more information, see the topic Reference Serum Protein Electrophoresis.
- Damaged liver cells lose their ability to make protein. But previously produced protein may stay in the blood for 12 to 18 days, so it takes about 2 weeks for damage to the liver to show up as decreased serum protein levels. The liver's ability to make protein may be used to predict the course of certain liver diseases.
- Unlike Reference carbohydrates Opens New Window and fats, proteins are not stored in the body. They are continuously broken down (metabolized) into Reference amino acids Opens New Window that can be used to make new proteins, Reference hormones Opens New Window, Reference enzymes Opens New Window, and other compounds needed by the body.
- Protein also can be measured in the urine. For more information, see the topic Reference Urine Test.
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