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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Blood tests
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Blood tests
by phanuf, Jan 08, 2004 12:00AM
Hello, I just had my yearly physical with blood tests. I was aware that I have high Cholesterol but my Total Protein also came back abnormal. I tried to call my Doctor but the Nurse Practitioner keeps calling me back saying there is nothing to worry about. I obviously believe her but I would rather discuss it with my Doctor instead of being pushed aside with a "Don't Worry" explanation. Because I couldn't get an answer from my doctor I went on the internet to see what a higher then normal Total Protein meant, and it listed some pretty scary and serious diseases. Can anyone tell me if I should be worried about the following set of numbers? The numbers in parentheses is what the sheet of paper deemed the "Normal Range". Thanks! HEPATIC FUNCTION PANEL Total Protein 8.6 (6.0 to 8.3) Albumin 5.1 (3.7 to 5.1) Globulin 3.5 (2.2 to 4.2) A/G Ration 1.5 (0.8 to 2.0)
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
The total protein level is slightly elevated. However, it is so close to the upper limits of normal, I would consider repeating the tests to make sure it is not a lab error.
High total protein levels can indicate dehydration or some types of cancer that lead to an accumulation of an abnormal protein (such as multiple myeloma).
Prolonged application of a tourniquet during blood collection can increase total protein levels. Drugs that may increase protein levels include anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormone, insulin, and progesterone.
If you are truly concerned and the total protein remains elevated, you may want to consider discussing whether a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) would be helpful in your case to evaluate for myeloma.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
High total protein levels can indicate dehydration or some types of cancer that lead to an accumulation of an abnormal protein (such as multiple myeloma).
Prolonged application of a tourniquet during blood collection can increase total protein levels. Drugs that may increase protein levels include anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormone, insulin, and progesterone.
If you are truly concerned and the total protein remains elevated, you may want to consider discussing whether a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) would be helpful in your case to evaluate for myeloma.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
As for your test results - I had similar levels a few months ago. It truly was nothing to worry about. All turned out to be OK. However, I had the benefit of having a doctor that actually talked to me on the phone to put my mind at ease.
If I were you, I'd repeat your blood tests in a few weeks.
Take care.