Question 1

What is Hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypoproteinemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of total protein in the blood. It is caused by malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or conditions that impair protein production or increase protein loss. The Protein, Total, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures blood protein levels.

Question 2

What causes hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypoproteinemia is caused by conditions that reduce protein production or increase protein loss from the body. Malnutrition and inadequate dietary protein intake are common causes, especially in people with eating disorders or severe food insecurity. Liver diseases like cirrhosis impair the production of albumin and other proteins, while kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome cause excessive protein loss through urine. Other causes include inflammatory bowel disease, burns, and chronic infections that interfere with protein metabolism.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

The Protein, Total, Serum test is the most important test for hypoproteinemia because it directly measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum. This test detects low protein levels that confirm the condition and helps determine severity. Normal total protein levels range from 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter, and results below this range indicate hypoproteinemia. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests like albumin levels, liver function tests, or kidney function tests to identify the underlying cause of the protein deficiency, but the total protein test is essential for initial diagnosis and monitoring treatment progress.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent swelling in your legs, ankles, or abdomen, as this edema is a hallmark sign of low protein levels. Other symptoms that warrant testing include unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, frequent infections due to weakened immunity, or slow wound healing. People with known liver disease, kidney disease, or chronic digestive problems should get regular screening. If you have lost significant weight unintentionally or have been eating a severely restricted diet, testing can identify protein deficiency before serious complications develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

The most noticeable symptom of hypoproteinemia is edema, which appears as swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes the abdomen as fluid accumulates in tissues. You might experience chronic fatigue and muscle weakness because your body lacks sufficient protein for energy and muscle function. Other symptoms include thinning hair, brittle nails, dry or flaky skin, and increased susceptibility to infections since antibodies are proteins. Some people notice unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, or changes in appetite. In severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs causing shortness of breath.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis are at high risk because the liver produces most blood proteins. Those with kidney disease, particularly nephrotic syndrome, lose excessive protein through urine. Individuals with malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn disease, or ulcerative colitis cannot properly absorb dietary protein. Older adults with poor nutrition, people with eating disorders, and those following extremely restrictive diets face increased risk. Cancer patients, burn victims, and people with severe infections or chronic inflammatory conditions are also more susceptible to developing low protein levels.

Question 7

What happens if hypoproteinemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypoproteinemia can lead to severe complications that significantly impact your health and quality of life. Persistent low protein levels cause worsening edema that can become painful and limit mobility, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or lungs can cause breathing difficulties. Your immune system weakens substantially, making you vulnerable to frequent and serious infections. Muscle wasting occurs as your body breaks down muscle tissue for protein, leading to progressive weakness and frailty. Delayed wound healing increases infection risk, and malnutrition can damage vital organs. In severe cases, hypoproteinemia can contribute to life-threatening conditions requiring hospitalization.

Question 8

Can hypoproteinemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypoproteinemia is diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures total protein levels in your blood serum. The Protein, Total, Serum test provides a definitive diagnosis by showing whether your protein levels fall below the normal range of 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter. This blood test is quick, requires only a small blood sample, and provides accurate results that your healthcare provider can use to confirm the condition. Additional blood tests may be ordered to measure specific protein types like albumin and globulin, and to investigate underlying causes such as liver function tests or kidney function tests.

Question 9

How is hypoproteinemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for hypoproteinemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause while improving protein levels through dietary changes and medical interventions. If malnutrition is the cause, increasing dietary protein intake through lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts is essential, sometimes with nutritional supplements or protein shakes. When liver or kidney disease causes the condition, treating the underlying disease is the priority with medications and disease-specific therapies. In severe cases, intravenous albumin infusions may be necessary to rapidly restore protein levels. Your healthcare provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your condition, with regular blood tests to monitor progress.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Preventing hypoproteinemia starts with maintaining a balanced diet that includes adequate protein from diverse sources like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Most adults need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, though requirements increase during illness or recovery. Managing chronic conditions that affect protein metabolism is crucial, so follow treatment plans for liver disease, kidney disease, or digestive disorders. Avoid extreme diets that severely restrict protein or calories. Regular check-ups and blood tests can catch declining protein levels early, especially if you have risk factors. Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption also protects liver function and protein production.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hypoproteinemia?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on eating high-quality protein with every meal, aiming for at least 20-30 grams of protein three times daily from sources like chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, and legumes. Keep protein-rich snacks like nuts, cheese, or protein bars available for between meals. Elevating swollen legs and ankles when sitting or lying down can reduce edema and improve comfort. Wearing compression stockings may help manage leg swelling if recommended by your healthcare provider. Stay well-hydrated with water and avoid excessive salt intake which can worsen fluid retention. Track your symptoms and protein intake in a journal to share with your healthcare provider at follow-up appointments, and take any prescribed supplements consistently.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hypoproteinemia Blood Test

What is Hypoproteinemia?

What causes hypoproteinemia?

What is the best test for hypoproteinemia?

When should I get tested for hypoproteinemia?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI