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Liver Health

Total Protein

Total protein adds up the two main protein groups in your blood — albumin (the main protein your liver makes) and globulins (which include your infection-fighting antibodies). A result inside the range on your report is reassuring. It is a broad screening number, so when it is off your GP looks at albumin and globulin separately to see what is behind it. On its own it rarely points to one cause.

Standard Care
CategoryLiver Health
Reference range60–80 g/L g/L
Evidence✓Standard Care
Last updated3 July 2026
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What is total protein?

The total protein test measures the combined amount of proteins circulating in your blood. It captures two main groups: Albumin — the most abundant protein in the blood, accounting for about 60 per cent of proteins in the blood. Albumin is made in the liver and is responsible for keeping fluid in the blood vessels and transporting substances around the body. Globulins — the remaining proteins, which include antibodies (immunoglobulins — proteins made by the immune system to fight infection) and a range of enzymes and transport proteins. Many globulins are also made by the liver; others are produced by the immune system. Total protein is a broad screening measure. A raised or lowered total protein is non-specific, and your GP will always read it alongside albumin and globulin separately — and in the context of your full LFT panel and clinical picture — to understand what it means for you.

Why is it tested?

Total protein is usually measured as part of a liver panel or a general metabolic screen. Your GP may check it when looking into liver disease, kidney disease, nutrition, or inflammatory conditions — all of which can shift protein levels. It also works as a broad screen for anything that changes how much protein the body makes or loses. And it gives helpful context for reading the albumin and globulin results that sit beside it on a routine health check.

Reference range (Australia)

60–80 g/L g/L

The AACB/RCPA Australasian Harmonised Reference Intervals specify 60–80 g/L for adults. The range printed on your own report is the authoritative figure for your result.

Reference intervals vary between laboratories. Always use the range printed on your own report.

What your result means

If your level is low

A low total protein can reflect reduced protein production (liver disease, poor nutrition) or increased protein loss (kidney disease, severe gut disease). Again, your GP will look at albumin and globulin separately to identify the source of the deficit.

If your level is in range

An in-range total protein result is generally reassuring. Your GP reads it alongside albumin, globulin, and the rest of the LFT panel to build the complete picture.

If your level is high

A raised total protein most commonly reflects an increase in the globulin fraction (since albumin is usually stable or falling in disease states). Elevated globulins can be seen in chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases (where the immune system makes more antibodies), and some blood disorders. Dehydration can also concentrate all blood proteins and produce a falsely elevated total protein. Your GP will look at the albumin and globulin components separately to understand which fraction is raised and what might be driving it.

What can affect your result

Total protein is affected by anything that shifts the balance of albumin or globulin in the blood. Albumin falls with liver disease, kidney disease (loss of protein into the urine), poor nutrition or malabsorption, and significant inflammation or illness. Globulins rise with chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain blood disorders; they fall with immune deficiency conditions or prolonged steroid treatment. Dehydration raises total protein by concentrating the blood; overhydration (for example, with excessive intravenous fluids) can lower it. Because total protein is a combined measure, changes in one fraction can be masked by an opposite change in the other — for example, a fall in albumin may be offset by a rise in globulins, keeping total protein in range. This is why your GP reads the components separately.

When to act

If your total protein is outside the reference interval, your GP will look at albumin and globulin separately to understand which component is driving the result. In most cases, an abnormal total protein points your GP towards a further investigation of the liver, kidneys, immune system, or nutritional status — rather than being actionable on its own. If you have symptoms such as fluid retention, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent infections alongside an abnormal total protein, mention these to your GP as they help build the clinical picture. This page is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your GP.

Frequently asked questions

The AACB/RCPA Australasian Harmonised Reference Intervals specify 60–80 g/L for adults. The range printed on your own report is the authoritative figure for your result, as individual laboratories may use slightly different assay methods.

Total protein measures the combined amount of all proteins in your blood — mainly albumin (the most abundant protein, accounting for about 60 per cent of proteins in the blood, made by the liver) and globulin proteins (which include antibodies and enzymes). Because it captures these two different protein groups together, an abnormal total protein usually prompts your GP to look at albumin and globulin separately to understand which fraction is changed and why.

A low total protein usually reflects reduced albumin, reduced globulins, or both. Albumin falls with liver disease (reduced production), kidney disease (protein lost into urine), poor nutrition, or significant inflammation. Globulins fall with immune deficiency conditions or prolonged steroid use. Your GP will look at the albumin and globulin components separately — and at your other results — to determine the most likely cause.

A raised total protein most often reflects an increase in the globulin fraction. This can occur with chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases (where the immune system produces higher levels of antibodies), and some blood disorders. Dehydration can also concentrate blood proteins and raise total protein temporarily. Your GP will review the albumin and globulin breakdown and your broader results to work out the cause.

Total protein on its own is a broad, non-specific measure. Changes in albumin and changes in globulin can move in opposite directions, sometimes keeping total protein within the normal range even when one fraction is significantly abnormal. For example, a fall in albumin (from liver disease) may be masked by a rise in globulins (from chronic infection), keeping total protein in range. Reading all three together — total protein, albumin, and globulin — gives your GP a more accurate picture.

Test your total protein

NATA-accredited testing. Results in 2–5 days. No GP referral required.

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