From the Research
TP (total protein) on lab results is a measurement of all proteins in the blood, including albumin and globulins, and should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other laboratory findings, as isolated abnormalities may not be clinically significant. When evaluating TP results, it's essential to consider them alongside albumin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio for a more meaningful clinical assessment. Normal TP levels typically range from 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL (60-83 g/L). Abnormal levels may indicate various conditions, such as:
- Elevated levels suggesting dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers like multiple myeloma 1
- Decreased levels indicating malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or protein-losing enteropathies For example, low albumin with normal or high TP suggests increased globulins, which might indicate infection or autoimmune disease. If abnormal TP levels are found, further testing such as protein electrophoresis may be warranted to identify specific protein abnormalities. It's also important to note that certain medications and anticoagulants, like heparin, can interact with laboratory tests and affect the results, as seen in studies examining the interaction between heparin and cardiac troponin T and troponin I 2, 3. However, these interactions are more relevant to specific cardiac biomarkers rather than total protein measurements. In the context of interpreting TP results, the focus should remain on the clinical significance of protein levels in relation to the patient's overall health and other diagnostic findings.