H–21Chemistry Description and GuideTotal protein/TPThe serum total protein concentration comprises all the proteins found in the aqueousphase of the blood. In the healthy animal, albumin constitutes the major singlecomponent. The remaining proteins are the alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Theglobulin concentration is determined by subtracting the albumin from the total protein.Principal reason for performing the test:Total protein measurement may provide useful information when used in combinationwith tests to investigate hepatic and renal function, the degree of hydration, proteinlosing enteropathies, or gammopathies. The test is nonspecific and if performed inisolation will be unlikely to provide diagnostic information.Most common abnormality indicated by the test:Impaired renal and hepatic function, dehydration, gastrointestinal lesions.Special precautions in sample collection:Remove plasma or serum promptly from the clot or cells. Hemolysis can result in raisedtotal protein concentrations.Results obtained from the analysis of plasma may be slightly higher than serum due tothe fibrinogen that remains in the plasma.Complementary tests:Total protein concentration is usually determined in conjunction with the measurementof albumin and other tests of renal and hepatic function.
