Serum proteins:

• Maintain water balance in the blood through osmotic pressure
• Transport blood components and nutritional elements
• Help the immune system
• Help with coagulation

Increased protein levels may be seen in:

• Dehydration
• Liver disease
• Tuberculosis
• Lupus
• Collagen vascular disease
• Some cancers
• Hemoconcentration

Decreased protein levels may be seen in:

• Liver disease (decreased production)
• Malnutrition (decreased production)
• Diarrhea (increased loss)
• Renal disease (increased loss)
• Severe burns (increased loss)
• Hemorrhage (increased loss)
• Pregnancy (dilutional)

Normal Values*

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.