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Blood biochemistry: total protein
Synonym(s): TP
Overview
- Comprises albumin and globulin fractions.
- Globulin fraction = alpha, beta and gamma subfractions.
- Absolute changes in albumin and globulin associated with wide range of clinical conditions.
- Electrophoresis: separation of globulin subfractions provides further information.
Uses
In combination
- As part of routine biochemical screening panel.
- Assessing fluid balance:
- Dehydration.
- Shock.
- Hypovolemia.
- Assessing nutritional status of animal:
- Excessive protein loss: renal and gastrointestinal.
- Severe malnutrition.
- Inability to absorb protein adequately.
- Evaluation of hepatic function.
- Chronic liver disease Liver: disease.
- Assessing immune response.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Biuret: standard method.
- Calibrated refractometer: for rapid result.
- Most accurate results using plasma rather than serum.
- Electrophoresis: followed by scanning with densitometer to quantify individual globulin subfractions.
Availability
- Biuret: widely available.
- Refractometer: widely available.
- Electrophoresis: commercial laboratories.
Validity
Sensitivity
- Biuret: accurate except at low levels (<10 g/l).
- Refractometer: generally satisfactory for clinical purposes.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Usually must be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings to reach a diagnosis.
Technician extrinsic limitations
- Electrophoresis.
- Biuret.
- Refractometer.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Benson K G & Paul-Murphy J (1999) Clinical pathology of the domestic rabbit: acquisition and interpretation of samples. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 2 (3), 539-552 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Varga M (2014) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd edn. Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, UK.
- Wesche P (2014) Clinical Pathology. In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. pp 124-137. BSAVA, UK.
- Saunders R A & Rees Davies R (2005) Notes on Rabbit Internal Medicine. Blackwells, UK.