TOTAL PROTEIN, 3 x 100 mL + ST

PRINCIPLE

In alkaline solution, the proteins form with copper (II) ions a coloured complex, highly stable, which is spectrophotometrically measurable and proportional to the concentration of protein in the sample.

DIAGNOSTIC USE

The determination of total protein in serum is used in the study of the nutritional status or edematous processes. Total protein levels are high (> 9.0g/dL) in: Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia, mono or polyclonal gammopathy, dehydration, chronic liver disease and neoplasms, especially myeloma. Values lower than 6.0 g/dL are associated with protein loss in cases of gastroenteropathies, burns, nephrotic syndrome or due to decreased protein synthesis in chronic liver disease, malabsorption syndrome, a gammaglobulinemia or malnutrition. In cases of pregnancy, administration of intravenous fluids, chronic alcoholism, heart failure or hyperthyroidism, the blood protein values are also lower than normal. A single test result could not be used to make a clinical diagnosis. It should integrate clinical and laboratory data.