Protein Testing

What is a Protein Test?

A Protein test is used to measure the amount of protein in a patient's blood.

Who May Need a Protein Test?

Protein tests are commonly prescribed by physicians who want to check on how well a patient's liver and kidneys are operating. They are also prescribed in order to find out if there is enough protein being included in a patient's diet, as well as to determine if abnormalities are causing edema (swelling of the ankles) or other related problems being manifest in a patient.

What Should I Expect from My Protein Test?

Protein tests do not require a patient to undergo any type of special preparation prior to having it performed. The test begins with the drawing of a blood sample from the patient, after which it will be sent to a laboratory for examination and testing. While there are common reference ranges many laboratories use as a guide when giving results to patients and physicians, these ranges may vary from lab to lab. It's important to speak with your doctor about your results to determine if there is any cause for concern. Most physicians base their opinions on the results not only on the range offered by the examining laboratory, but also on a number of other factors, including a patient's health and age.