Protein is one of the nutrients the body needs to maintain health. The amount of various types of protein in your blood is usually very small. Too little or too much protein may be an indication that something is wrong. Doctors check protein levels with blood tests. The total protein test is often performed as part of a routine physical examination, but doctors order the test when there is an event or symptoms that require investigation. A high protein count can indicate several conditions.
Symptoms
The symptoms of high protein levels in the blood are persistent fever, severe fatigue, nausea, poor appetite and unexplained weight loss. Your doctor might order a total protein test once he is aware of these symptoms. If you have symptoms that could indicate edema, kidney disease or liver disease, your doctor might order the total protein test.
Total Protein Test
The total protein test is part of a wider range of tests called a comprehensive metabolic panel. Blood drawn from a vein is tested to determine the amounts of the different types of proteins. The results of a total protein test can provide information to your doctor about your nutritional state and the health of your organs. A high protein count might indicate the need for additional tests. Tests can identify the specific protein that is the problem.
Causes
High levels of protein in the blood can indicate infection or chronic inflammation. When tests indicate high levels of protein, additional test are usually ordered to determine if a serious disease could be the problem. Some bone marrow diseases are connected to high protein counts. The build-up of amyloid proteins in the organs causes a rare condition called amyloidosis. High protein counts can indicate HIV/AIDS or cancer of the plasma cells, a condition known as multiple myeloma that increases the number of antibody proteins created by plasma cells. A high-protein diet does not increase protein levels in the blood.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria, or urine albumin, is the diagnosis when a person has too much protein in their urine. Albumin is a type of protein that is found in the blood. When the kidney's filters are damaged, protein from the blood leaks into the urine as the blood passes through the kidneys. Proteinuria indicates chronic kidney disease. The causes of proteinuria include high blood pressure, diabetes and conditions that cause the kidneys to become inflamed. Tests to detect albumin in the urine are routine for all patients.
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