Antigen concentration in serum/plasma (bromocresol green method)
This test measures the amount of certain proteins in your blood, specifically using a dye called bromocresol green to assess protein levels.
["Helps evaluate protein balance and kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44441-4
- Short code
- ASPNAB
- Synonyms
- A niger Ab Ser CF-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- CPT
- 86171
- SNOMED
- 395130008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C), 7 days at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C), and up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects a specific type of protein that binds to bromocresol green dye. This binding changes the dye’s color, which is then measured to quantify the protein concentration in your blood. This method is often used to assess protein levels indirectly, such as in conditions affecting protein synthesis or kidney function.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor conditions like proteinuria (protein in urine), kidney disease, or to evaluate overall protein status in patients with malnutrition or liver disease.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The serum or plasma is then processed and analyzed using the bromocresol green dye method to measure protein concentration.
What Are Common Uses?
This test is less commonly performed today but historically used to screen for protein abnormalities. Modern tests like albumin or total protein are more frequently used for similar purposes.
Reference range
Negative: <1:2 titer or undetectable antibodies. Positive results reported as endpoint titers (e.g., 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, ≥1:128). Titers ≥1:8 generally considered clinically significant in symptomatic patients.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any immunosuppressive medications, recent antifungal therapy, or history of hypersensitivity reactions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Bromocresol Green Protein Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy