Total Solids (Total Protein)

Category: science

A measurement of the total concentration of plasma proteins within a blood sample, read via a refractometer.

Total Solids (TS) are evaluated alongside PCV using the plasma fluid portion of the spun capillary tube. It measures albumin and globulin levels; a high TS indicates dehydration or chronic immune stimulation, while a low TS flags protein loss through the gut or kidneys.

Common Examples

• Evaluating the combination of a high PCV and high total solids confirmed the dehydrated patient required immediate IV fluid boluses.
• A drop in total solids beneath 4.5 grams per deciliter can induce severe peripheral edema due to a loss of oncotic blood pressure.