Protein counts are often tested as a part of a testing series called a comprehensive metabolic panel, which is commonly ordered as a part of a routine blood test, according to Lab Tests Online. Protein tests can be used to determine overall nutritional status or to screen for medical conditions. Normal protein counts indicate a healthy, functional body, whereas abnormal protein tests can indicate underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease or liver disease.
Total Protein
Your blood contains two types of protein: albumin and globulin. Albumin carries small molecules throughout the blood and prevents fluid from leaking out the blood vessels. Globulin proteins are all of the other proteins in your blood, which include enzymes and antibodies. The normal total protein count of albumin and globulin ranges from 6.0 to 8.3 gm/dL. If your total protein levels are too high, it can indicate chronic inflammation, multiple myeloma or infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis C. Liver disease, malnutrition, hemorrhagic bleeding, severe burns and kidney diseases can cause low total protein counts.
A/G Ratio
The A/G ratio may also be reported during a laboratory test. The A/G ratio measures the amount of albumin in the blood compared to the amount of globulin in the blood. The normal A/G ratio is just over 1, because there are slightly more albumins than globulins in the blood. A low A/G, which is a ratio under 1, indicates overproduction of globulins or an underproduction of albumins. A low A/G ratio may be caused by autoimmune diseases, kidney disease or cirrhosis, while a high A/G ratio may occur as a result of leukemia or genetic abnormalities, according to Lab Tests Online.
Urine Protein
Your urine does not usually contain a measurable amount of protein. Certain diseases can cause you to lose protein in your urine, a condition called proteinuria. Urine protein can be tested in two ways, via a random sample or a 24-hour urine collection. A random sample involves testing the urine at one time during a doctor visit. A 24-hour urine collection involves collecting all of your urine during a consecutive 24-hour period and bringing it in for testing. If a urine protein test detects any protein in the urine, it can indicate infection, severe physical or emotional stress, diabetes or hypertension. Certain medications can also cause a loss of protein through the urine. Kidney disease also causes an elevated urine protein. Lab Tests Online notes that the amount of protein in the urine is usually indicative of the severity of kidney disease.
Considerations
Although protein tests can indicate an underlying medical condition, a protein test alone cannot determine the specific disease. If your protein levels are abnormal, further testing is required to determine the cause of the changes in protein levels.
