Protein Testing

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood.  A total serum protein test also measures the amounts of albumin and globulin protein in your blood.

Albumin helps keep your blood from leaking out of your blood vessels, it's made primarily in your liver.  It also helps carry medicine and other substances through your blood to help your body heal.  Albumin is tested to make sure that your kidneys and liver are working well, and to find out if there's enough protein in your diet.  It's also done if you show symptoms such as ankle swelling, abdominal swelling, or fluid in your lungs.

Globulin is made by the liver, and by your immune system.  Some globulin binds with hemoglobin, others transport metals in your blood to help fight infection.  Globulin is tested to find out what your chances of getting an infection are, or to check for a rare blood disease.

A total protein test is often done as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel.

Visit a lab location nearest you today, no appointment needed.  Insurance is not required, but call (225) 389-5020 to find out if your health plan will cover this test.