Serum proteins, the most plentiful compounds in blood serum, act differently from proteins in tissue and are diagnostically beneficial when tested. Serum proteins function as enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and impede leakage of fluid from blood vessels into body tissues. Total serum protein testing evaluates the quantity of total protein, albumin and globulins present in your blood and is part of the comprehensive metabolic panel or CMP.
Protein Production
Dietary intake of protein distinctly influences serum protein production and deficiencies can adversely affect health status. The primary serum proteins are albumin and four globulins: alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and gamma. Albumin and the alpha and beta globulins are manufactured in your liver. Gamma globulins are manufactured in the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow and the reticuloendothelial system. Protein is not stored in the body, but formed into amino acids, which produce hormones, enzymes and composites.
Test
Serum protein electrophoresis, a lab technique, breaks down total protein into fractional components of albumin and globulins. Albumin composes more than half of your total serum protein with normal values ranging from: 3.3g per dl to 4.5g per dl. Total serum protein ranges from: 6.6g per dl to 7.9g per dl. Globulin ranges are much smaller. The test requires a blood sample and has no food or fluid restrictions.
Additional Tests
Other tests used to further evaluate serum protein levels and aid diagnosis include: serum ceruloplasmin, serum haptoglobin and serum transferrin. Protein metabolites measured include: plasma amino acid screening, serum phenylalanine screening or PKU, plasma ammonia, blood urea nitrogen or BUN, serum creatinine and serum uric acid. Protein pigment tests include: serum bilirubin, fractionated erythrocyte porphyrins.
Test Implications
Low total protein causes can indicate: malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, Hodgkin's disease, uncontrolled diabetes, malabsorption syndromes, hyperthyroidism and congestive heart failure. Low albumin can indicate: liver disease, peptic ulcers, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, metastatic carcinoma and acute cholecystitis. Low globulins can indicate renal diseases, liver conditions, blood diseases and possible cancers. Elevated levels of total proteins, albumin and globulins can indicate dehydration, chronic infections, chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Diet
Dietary sources of protein include animal and vegetable sources. Fish, poultry and beans are protein sources low in saturated fats. When you consume red meats, choose lean cuts and give special attention to fat quantity in other cuts. Make red meat portions, such as beef, pork and lamb, moderate in size. Limit processed meat products such as hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, canned meats and prepared meats and avoid whole milk dairy products.
References
- MedlinePlus: Protein Electrophoresis - Serum
- Quest Diagnostics: Total Serum Protein
- Lab Tests Online: Total Protein and A/G Ratio
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Protein - electrophoresis - Overview
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source: Protein
- St. John's Mercy Health Care: Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP): Test Overview
