A total protein test measures the amount of protein in your blood.

Proteins are important for the health and growth of the body's cells and tissues.

The test can help diagnose a number of health conditions, including:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• malnutrition – a serious condition that occurs when a person's diet doesn't contain enough nutrients to meet their body's needs

If your total protein level is low, you may have a liver or kidney problem, or it may be that protein isn't being digested or absorbed properly.

A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally.

If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low. This will enable an accurate diagnosis to be made.

Read more about the total protein test at Lab Tests Online UK.