Total Serum Protein
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Test Overview
A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. Two major groups of proteins in the blood are albumin and globulin.
- Albumin is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing.
- Globulin is made up of different proteins called alpha, beta, and gamma types. Some globulins are made by the liver, while others are made by the immune system. Certain globulins bind with hemoglobin. Other globulins transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection. Serum globulin can be separated into several subgroups by serum protein electrophoresis. For more information, see the medical test Serum Protein Electrophoresis.
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| Last updated: | January 18, 2006 |
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| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Reviewed By: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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