Bromocresol Purple Protein Electrophoresis (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures protein distribution in your blood using a technique called electrophoresis, which separates proteins by size and charge. It helps identify abnormal protein patterns that may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or other disorders affecting blood proteins.
["This test helps doctors diagnose and monitor blood protein disorders by showing how proteins move through an electric field."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49617-4
- Short code
- KPC
- Synonyms
- blaKPC Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or swab transport system
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 415929007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL or per institutional collection protocol
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 48 hours; frozen (-70°C) for extended storage
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Electrophoresis separates proteins in your blood into different fractions based on their size and electrical charge. Bromocresol purple dye binds to proteins, allowing visual identification of bands. Each band represents a group of proteins with similar properties, such as albumin, alpha-globulins, beta-globulins, and gamma-globulins. Abnormal patterns may suggest conditions like monoclonal gammopathy or systemic diseases.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or abnormal lab results. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress in conditions affecting blood proteins, such as multiple myeloma or amyloidosis.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed into either serum (after clotting) or plasma (after centrifugation). The sample is sent to a lab where proteins are separated using an electric field and stained with bromocresol purple for analysis.
Interpreting Results
Results show the distribution of proteins across different bands. A normal pattern has distinct bands with expected proportions of albumin, globulins, and other proteins. Abnormal patterns may include extra bands (e.g., M-spikes in multiple myeloma), reduced albumin, or elevated globulins, which require further medical evaluation.
Reference range
Negative for blaKPC gene (carbapenem resistance gene not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Standard aseptic technique for specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
BCP Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What might cause abnormal results?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy