Proteins are the building blocks of every cell in the body. Your cellular structures, hormones, enzymes and blood components all are made up of various types and arrangements of proteins, which are vital for growth, development and normal body function. However, excess proteins can also signify damage, disease or abnormalities in the muscles, organs and other areas of the body. Testing these protein levels can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis. Lab Tests Online lists several types of tests to detect and measure proteins.
Total Protein Test
A total protein test is a non-specific blood test that is part of the comprehensive metabolic panel test during a routine health checkup. It may also be used to detect medical conditions related to rapid weight loss, liver problems and kidney disease, according to Lab Tests Online. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that this test measures the total amount of two major types or protein -- albumin and globulin -- in the liquid or plasma of the blood.
Albumin is produced by the liver and globulins form antibodies, enzymes and other proteins in the blood. A normal value of total protein is in the range of 6 to 8.3 gm/dl, and a reading above this may signify certain types of cancers, HIV or other chronic diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic. A lower than normal value may suggest kidney disease, liver disease, malabsorption, skin burns or bleeding.
A/G Ratio
An A/G ratio test determines the ratio of albumin to globulin proteins in the blood. In normal healthy conditions, this ratio is higher than one. Lab Tests Online advises that a change in this ratio may indicate a medical condition. For example, if there is a higher concentration of globulins in relation to albumin, this may indicate multiple myeloma or kidney disease. As with any test, other tests and diagnostic factors are needed to make a correct diagnosis.
Urine Test
In normal, healthy conditions, proteins are reabsorbed by the kidneys and only small trace amounts of smaller proteins are found in the urine. However, a urine dip stick test or urinalysis may detect higher levels of proteins in certain health conditions. The Merck Manual explains that approximately 150 milligrams per day of total urinary protein or 30 milligrams per day of albumin is considered normal. However, if an albumin level of 30 to 300 milligrams per day is detected in an urinalysis, this is called microalbuminuria and may indicate kidney damage due to diabetes, high blood pressure or other health conditions.
Stool Test
A stool test is not as common as blood and urine tests for protein, but it may be used to detect the abnormal excretion of proteins such as alpha 1 antitrypsin, according to the National Institutes of Health. This may occur in conditions that cause the breakdown of muscles and a microscopic examination of a stool test may show small muscle fibers and a level of 3 grams per day or higher of protein, which is considered abnormal.
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