Serum Albumin Blood Test (Bromocresol Purple Method)
A blood test that measures the amount of albumin protein in your blood using the bromocresol purple dye binding method. Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps keep fluid in your bloodstream and carries hormones, vitamins, and medicines throughout your body. This test helps your doctor evaluate your liver and kidney function, check your nutritional status, and monitor conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or unexplained weight loss.
{"Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps maintain fluid balance in your blood","Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition","This test requires a simple blood draw and is often part of routine health checkups","The BCP method is highly specific for albumin with minimal interference from other proteins","Results help doctors assess your overall nutritional status and organ function"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61152-5
- Short code
- ALB_BCP
- Synonyms
- Albumin SerPl BCP-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 2 not specified – 6 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Bromocresol purple (BCP) dye binding method - spectrophotometric measurement at 600nm
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 27150006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Serum Albumin test measures the concentration of albumin in your blood using the bromocresol purple (BCP) dye binding method. Albumin is a crucial protein produced by your liver that plays essential roles in maintaining blood volume, transporting hormones, vitamins, and medications, and supporting overall immune function.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where the BCP dye binding method is used. This method works by adding bromocresol purple dye to the blood sample - albumin in the sample binds to the dye, causing a color change that can be measured. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the albumin concentration in your blood.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver function tests. It helps evaluate your liver function, kidney function, nutritional status, and overall health. The test is particularly important for patients with symptoms of liver disease, kidney disease, or unexplained weight loss.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions. Some medications may affect albumin levels, so inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. Fasting may be required if other tests are ordered alongside the albumin test.
Reference range
3.5-5.0 g/dLnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
**Low Albumin Levels (Hypoalbuminemia):** May indicate liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), malnutrition, malabsorption, inflammatory conditions, or fluid overload. Low albumin can cause swelling (edema) due to fluid leakage from blood vessels.
**High Albumin Levels (Hyperalbuminemia):** Usually indicates dehydration or hemoconcentration. It is less common than low albumin and often reflects fluid loss rather than actual increased albumin production.
The BCP method is particularly valuable because it has less interference from other serum proteins compared to older methods, providing more accurate results in patients with abnormal blood protein profiles.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal albumin level?
Does the BCP method give different results than other methods?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is the test safe?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy