Why get tested?To help diagnose and monitor
multiple myeloma and a variety of other conditions that affect protein absorption, production, and loss as seen in severe organ disease and altered nutritional states
When to get tested?If you have an abnormal
total protein or
albumin level or if your doctor suspects that you have a condition that affects protein concentrations in the blood and/or causes protein loss through the urine
Sample required?A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; sometimes a
random or
24-hour urine sample