Proteins play vital roles in the body, including maintaining fluid balance, fighting infections, and transporting substances in the blood.
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, focusing on two major types: albumin and globulin. It helps assess nutritional status, diagnose kidney or liver disease, and evaluate immune system health. It can also help determine the cause of edema, a buildup of fluid that leads to swelling, typically in the ankles.
Abnormal Blood Protein Levels
Low Blood Protein (Hypoproteinemia): Low protein levels may result from temporary conditions, like acute infections or inflammation, overhydration, overuse of diuretics, pregnancy, or severe burns. Alternatively, many chronic conditions may be the cause, such as chronic illness, congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, medications, or genetic disorders.
Low Blood Protein Levels - Symptoms
- Swelling (edema), especially in the legs, feet, and abdomen
- Muscle wasting, weakness, or fatigue
- Brittle nails and hair
- Frequent infections
- Slow wound healing
High Blood Protein: High protein levels may indicate temporary conditions, like dehydration, or chronic issues, such as liver disease, chronic infections, certain cancers, and autoimmune diseases.
High Blood Protein Levels - Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swelling (edema)
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