What is a Protein Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a protein test used for?

Protein test results indicate the amount of protein present in your body. Commonly, the analysis is done on the blood to check albumin and globulin levels in the blood. Your physician uses this test to check the cause of abnormal weight loss, Loss of appetite, nausea etc. Test results give the ratio of albumin to globulin which rules out cirrhosis, Leukaemia etc.

Understanding the test results of the Protein Test?

The normal protein level in the body is 6-8.5gm/dl. Higher than normal levels may indicate Hepatitis, Cancer, Kidney disease during tests. Lower than normal levels can be due to chronic heart disease, Malnutrition etc.

The normal Albumin-Globulin ratio is 1. Lesser values may indicate autoimmune disease, cirrhosis etc. Higher than average values can be due to Leukaemia etc.

Why do I need a Protein Test?

• Protein tests may be a part of a routine check-up to monitor a comprehensive metabolic panel.
• Monitor recovery of people suffering from liver, kidney, and stomach related diseases.
• Protein test results can be helpful to know the cause of abnormal weight loss, nausea, swelling of body parts, difficulty in passing urine etc.

What happens during Protein Test?

Your healthcare provider uses a needle to draw blood from the vein and collect it in a vial. The vial is submitted to a lab for further testing. The blood sample is analysed for proteins in the blood sample. There are no side effects; however, it is best to consult a physician before getting tested for protein levels.

What is considered a low protein level?

Normal protein levels are 6-8.5 mg/dl. If test results show levels lower than 6 mg/dl, it signifies that your protein levels are less than usual. This could indicate malnutrition or underlying bowel, kidney, liver, or heart disease. Consult our specialists to know more or book an appointment.

What do protein levels indicate?

Any deviation from normal protein levels could indicate an underlying disease.

• If test results show low protein levels, it may be due to liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• Test results showing higher protein levels can signify cancer or hepatitis.
• The albumin to globulin ratio variations indicates cancer, cirrhosis, or kidney disease.

Why do they check protein levels?

Proteins are building blocks of our cells and are essential for the normal function of the human body. Your physician uses the test results to ensure that all your vital organs function normally. A protein test can be performed as part of a routine check-up to ensure the body is performing normal metabolic activities.

What does protein in a blood test mean?

It is normal to have protein in your blood. Blood contains two major proteins, namely Albumin and Globulin.

• In a healthy person, 3.4-5.4 g/dl albumin is present.
• Normal globulin range is 2.3-3.5 g/dl.

If any variations are noticed during the test, it may indicate a medical condition or disease. Protein in urine samples is not normal and can indicate underlying disease.

Is the high protein in the blood serious?

Yes, high levels of protein in your blood can be a cause for concern. If protein levels are not within the normal range, it conveys a possibility of a disease. High protein levels in the blood can indicate

• Cancer or myeloma
• Dehydration of body
• Kidney disease of long-standing
• Liver disease

What does it mean when your protein is too high in your blood?

High blood protein levels reveal that body organs are not functioning correctly. Kidney and liver disease mainly contribute to higher protein blood levels. Cancer like myeloma may have the side effect of increasing blood protein levels. Dehydration in the body can also be portrayed as elevated blood protein levels.

Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.