Serum/Plasma Substance Concentration (Bromocresol Green) for a Specific Protein (e.g., Albumin)
This test measures the amount of a protein called albumin in your blood using the bromocresol green dye-binding method. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance and supports blood clotting.
["Albumin levels can indicate overall protein status and kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86712-7
- Short code
- OXAGENE
- Synonyms
- blaOXA Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or sterile plasma collection tube; for molecular testing, EDTA tube may also be acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 428931000124103
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature, 7 days at 2-8°C, and 30 days at -70°C or below for molecular testing
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Albumin Matters in Your Health
Albumin is a key protein produced by your liver that plays a vital role in keeping fluids where they need to be, helping tissues stay hydrated and supporting blood clotting. Low levels may signal liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney problems.
What Can Affect Your Albumin Test Results?
Several factors can influence albumin levels, including diet (especially protein intake), liver disease, kidney issues, severe infections, or chronic conditions like heart failure. Recent blood loss or dehydration may also temporarily affect results.
Common Reasons for Testing Albumin
Doctors may order this test to check for liver disease (like cirrhosis), kidney function, malnutrition, or to monitor protein loss due to conditions like burns or kidney failure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals 2 hours before the draw. Wear a loose shirt for easy access. The test involves a simple blood draw from your arm.
Reference range
Negative (blaOXA gene not detected). A positive result indicates the presence of carbapenem resistance blaOXA gene, suggesting phenotypic carbapenem resistance.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Standard aseptic blood collection technique should be followed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Albumin Levels and Health Risks
Short name
BCG Albumin (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low albumin level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect my albumin test results?
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