Bromocresol Purple Protein Electrophoresis (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures protein distribution in your blood using a technique called electrophoresis with the Bromocresol Purple dye. It helps identify patterns of protein separation that may indicate conditions affecting protein balance.
["This test helps diagnose and monitor protein disorders by showing how proteins move through a gel during electrophoresis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105016-0
- Short code
- KPC18
- Synonyms
- blaKPC-18 Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or appropriate culture transport medium; for pure isolates, submit on agar slant or in transport broth
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150 (Culture, typing; identification by nucleic acid amplification, per isolate); 87653 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid, multidrug resistance)
- SNOMED
- 426396005 (Bacterial resistance to carbapenem)
- Specimen volume
- Variable depending on specimen type (typically 1-5 mL for fluid specimens or a pure bacterial isolate on solid media)
- Stability
- Stable for 24-48 hours at 2-8°C in appropriate transport medium; for pure isolates, maintain on appropriate media at room temperature or 4°C; process within 24 hours for optimal results
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Electrophoresis separates blood proteins into different fractions based on their size and electrical charge. The Bromocresol Purple dye binds to proteins, creating distinct bands that reflect protein concentration in each fraction. These bands can be analyzed to detect abnormalities in protein distribution, such as those seen in conditions like multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or certain liver or kidney diseases.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to investigate symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, swelling, or abnormal lab results from other blood tests. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress in patients with known protein disorders.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test can help identify patterns associated with conditions like multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), light chain amyloidosis (a buildup of abnormal proteins), or other disorders affecting protein synthesis or clearance.
Sample Collection
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma for testing. This is a quick procedure, usually done in a clinic or lab setting.
Reference range
Negative (blaKPC-18 gene not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Ensure proper aseptic technique during specimen collection to avoid contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
BCP Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are abnormal?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy