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Serum or plasma concentration of a specific protein marker for liver function (e.g., bilirubin-related or metabolic protein)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a protein in your blood that helps assess how well your liver is working. It may also reflect metabolic health or exposure to certain substances.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose liver issues or metabolic conditions by tracking protein levels in your bloodstream."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
85827-4
Short code
OXA48
Synonyms
blaOXA-48-like Islt/Spm Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container for pure bacterial isolates (e.g., tryptic soy agar slant or screw-cap transport tube). For direct specimen testing: appropriate transport medium per specimen type (e.g., stool in Cary-Blair medium; rectal swab in Amies or eSwab transport medium; blood in aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles). For serum specimens: sterile serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top tube.
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
CPT
87150
SNOMED
122446000
Specimen volume
Pure bacterial isolate: a visible amount of growth from a fresh culture plate (18-24 hours). Rectal swab: one flocked or rayon swab in transport medium. Stool: 1-5 grams or 1-2 mL. Serum: 1-2 mL. Blood culture: standard blood culture bottle volume per laboratory protocol.
Stability
Bacterial isolate on agar slant: room temperature 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 7 days. Rectal swab in transport medium: room temperature up to 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 48 hours. Stool in Cary-Blair: refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 7 days; frozen (-70°C) for longer storage. Serum: room temperature 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 7 days; frozen (-20°C or lower) for extended storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–48 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

This test detects the concentration of a particular protein in your serum or plasma. The protein could be related to liver function, metabolic processes, or other physiological pathways. The exact protein may be bilirubin-related (e.g., conjugated or unconjugated), a metabolic marker, or another substance tracked for diagnostic purposes.

Why It’s Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate liver health, monitor metabolic function, or investigate symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or unexplained changes in liver enzymes. It can also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to assess exposure to toxins or metabolic disorders.

Sample Collection and Preparation

A blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (liquid after clotting) or plasma (liquid after anticoagulant use). The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using methods like immunoassay or nephelometry to measure the protein concentration accurately.

Common Uses and Indications

This test may be used to screen for liver disease, assess bile flow, detect metabolic imbalances, or monitor treatment responses in conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or certain genetic disorders. It can also help identify exposure to toxins or metabolic stress.

Reference range

Negative (Gene not detected). The bla OXA-48-like gene is reported as Detected or Not Detected. A negative result does not exclude the presence of other carbapenem resistance mechanisms.N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when clinically feasible. For screening rectal swab or stool specimens, no special patient preparation is required. For blood culture specimens, collection should be performed using aseptic technique prior to antibiotic administration when possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Liver function protein test

Frequently asked questions

What might cause abnormal results?
Abnormal results could indicate liver dysfunction, metabolic disorders, exposure to toxins, or other systemic conditions affecting protein metabolism. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider, as they’ll consider your full medical history and symptoms.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health status, symptoms, and treatment plan. Your provider will determine how often this test is needed, whether it’s routine monitoring or part of a specific diagnostic process.
Can I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is usually needed, but avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing if it’s related to liver function. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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