Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
6.0 - 8.3 g/dL
Pediatric
6.0 - 8.0 g/dL
Clinical Significance
Measures all proteins in blood (primarily Albumin and Globulins). An elevated Total Protein with a low or normal Albumin (the 'albumin-globulin gap') strongly suggests a paraproteinemia like Multiple Myeloma.
Causes of High
- Multiple myeloma
- Chronic inflammation / Infection (HIV, Hepatitis C)
- Dehydration
Causes of Low
- Malnutrition
- Severe liver disease
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Protein-losing enteropathy