Total protein
Alternative names:
TP
What the risks are:
- excessive bleeding
- fainting or feeling lightheaded
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
Total proteins measurements may be increased during pregnancy
Drugs that can increase total protein measurements include anabolic steroids, androgens, corticosteroids, dextran, growth hormone, insulin, phenazopyridine, and progesterone.
Drugs that can decrease total protein measurements include ammonium ions, estrogens, hepatotoxic drugs and oral contraceptives.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
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