A total serum protein test is a type of blood test that measures the levels of protein in the blood. Protein is present in every cell of the body and is involved in a wide variety of functions. An abnormal serum protein test may indicate inadequate nutrition, heart failure, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure (hypertension), an infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), or a variety of other conditions. Blood protein tests are most commonly used to evaluate kidney and liver function.

Some medications can interfere with the results of the test, and people are strongly urged to follow their physician’s orders regarding how to take their medication before the test in order to ensure the test’s accuracy.