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Test Code LAB118 Protein, Total

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Colorimetric (Biuret)

Literature Reference:

Package insert: Total protein TP2. Roche Corporation, 11/2019.

Specimen Requirements

Note: This test is also available as part of LAB17 Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and LAB20 Hepatic Function Panel.

Patient Preparation:
If possible, the patient should be seated or recumbent for 10 to 15 minutes preceding specimen draw. 

Note: Erect posture causes a redistribution of the body fluids, increasing the total protein concentration as much as 10%.

 

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Mint-green top (lithium heparin)

Specimen Volume: Full tube

 

Collection Instructions: Avoid prolonged venous stasis when drawing specimen.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: 2 to 4 hours after receipt in laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84155

Reference Values

PLASMA

0 - 7 days: 4.5 - 7.0 g/dL

> 7 days - 1 year: 5.5 - 7.5 g/dL

> 1 year: 6.5 - 8.5 g/dL

Note: If serum is submitted and tested, the reference intervals are as follows.

SERUM

0 - 7 days: 4.2 - 6.7 g/dL

> 7 days - 1 year: 5.2 - 7.2 g/dL

> 1 year: 6.2 - 8.2 g/dL

Literature Reference:

Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer AT eds: Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics 6th ed: Chapter 28, p. 373, Elsevier, St. Louis, MO 2018.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

Alternate Tube:

1 dark green-top (lithium heparin) tube
1 red-top tube

 

Laboratory Processing Instructions:

Test performed in BJH Core Lab.  Processed by automated line for delivery to the Cobas 8000.  Completed specimens are stored refrigerated for 5 days. 

Test performed in South County Siteman and Ambulatory Cancer Building Lab.  Centrifuge sample and deliver to the Cobas.  Completed specimens are stored refrigerated for 5 days. 

Note: If a red-top tube is received, reorder as Protein, Serum. This is required because serum reference intervals differ. Serum reference intervals will print on report.

Special Instructions

See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC Code
Protein, total 2885-2