Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Measurement of the concentration of all proteins present in serum excluding clotting factors. The major proteins included are albumin and the immunoglobulins, the other proteins are included in the measurement however individually none contributes more than 5% of the total. Measurement of total protein is of little value on its own but can suggest a need for further investigation to arrive at a specific diagnosis.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated samples:
3 days
Separated samples:
6 days at 15-25oC,
4 weeks at 2-8oC,
1 year at -20oC
Reference ranges:
Up to 4 weeks: 41 to 63 g/L
4 weeks to 6 months: 44 to 67 g/L
6 months to 1 year: 55 to 79 g/L
1 to 16 years: 57 to 80 g/L
>16 years: 60 to 80 g/L
Other info:
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable