Clinical Biochemistry

Goran Hamid M. 2009

Serum Total Protein

Serum proteins represent a complex mixture containing a
number of components which differ in properties and function. The
major components of proteins of serum include: 1- Albumin 2Globulins and 3- Conjugated protein such as seromucoid (i.e
glycoprotein or mucoprotein, protein polysaccharide compounds)
and lipoproteins. Fibrinogen is present in plasma but not in serum.
Liver is the organ, mainly responsible for formation of plasma
albumin and at least 30% serum globulins.

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Clinical Biochemistry

Goran Hamid M. 2009

Function of plasma protein

1. Control of extracellular fluid distribution.
2. Inflammatory response and control of infection. (antibodies)
(Immunoglobulin).
3. Transport. ( albumin and specific binding proteins)
4. Plasma protein contributed in the clotting process.
(Controlling of haemaorrhage).
5. Plasma protein is a source of nutrition of the tissues.
Interpretation
The total plasma protein concentration normally ranges from
6 to 8 g/dl. Albumin ranges from 3.5 to 5 g/dl and globulins from
2.5 to 3.5 g/dl.
The measurement of total concentration is of limited value as:
It may be altered by changes in plasma volume. An increase
is caused by dehydration and a decrease by overloading with
water.
Total protein concentration is higher when a person is
standing than when recumbent. About 2 hrs being required in
either position for the maximum change to take place.
A short spell of vigorous exercise increases the total protein
concentration by 5 to 10%.
Excessive stasis while taking the blood specimen also
increases the value.

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Clinical Biochemistry

Goran Hamid M. 2009

Some anticoagulants withdraw water from the red cells

resulting in the plasma and serum protein concentrations
being similar in spite of the fibrinogen in the former. Heparin
in anticoagulant concentration does not have this effect.
Increasing in total protein concentration is generally due to
an increase in total globulins, usually of the -globulins with the
concentration of albumin remaining normal or decreasing
marginally. A decrease in total protein concentration is usually
the result of a fall in albumin and sometimes -globulins. In
these A:G ratio change due to either reduction of albumin or
elevation of globulins.
Elevated levels of total proteins (Hyperproteinaemia) are
associated with the following:
1. Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
2. Multiple myeloma.
3. Chronic liver disease and chronic infections.
Decreased levels (hypo[roteinaemia) are found in:
1. Renal diseases.
2. Malnutrition.
3. Albuminuria.
4. Terminal liver failure.

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Clinical Biochemistry

Goran Hamid M. 2009

Principle:Compound which contain two or more peptide bonds, give a

violet colored compound with alkaline copper solution. Serum
contain protein, when treated with biuret reagent (cupric ion at
alkaline medium) give a violet colored compound which
measuring the by spectrophotometer at 540 nm.

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Clinical Biochemistry

Goran Hamid M. 2009

Procedure:Label three test tubes and make the following addition.

Test

Standard

Blank

Serum

0.1 ml

-------

-------

Standard

--------

3 ml

--------

2.9 ml

--------

3 ml

3 ml

3 ml

3 ml

Distilled
water
Working
Biuret
reagent

Mix and incubate all the test tubes at 37CO for 10 minutes.
After cooling to room temperature read absorbance at 540
nm.
Calculation:-

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