Serum or plasma concentration of **Bromocresol Green-reactive substances** (BCG assay)
This test measures certain substances in your blood that react with Bromocresol Green, a dye used to assess liver function and protein synthesis.
["Helps evaluate liver health and protein production in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7261-1
- Short code
- Crab BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Synonyms
- Crab BasoBnd Ab Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- lhr
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The BCG assay detects substances that bind to Bromocresol Green, primarily albumin and other proteins. This reaction is influenced by liver function, as the liver produces and maintains albumin levels. The test indirectly reflects protein synthesis and liver capacity to process proteins.
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting liver function, such as cirrhosis, liver disease, or protein malnutrition. It can also help assess the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
Common Conditions Monitored
Conditions like chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or severe protein deficiencies may show altered BCG-reactive substances, indicating impaired liver or protein metabolism.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The blood is then separated into serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part after anticoagulant use) for testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
BCG Assay (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
This test is less commonly used today due to the availability of more specific liver function tests, but it remains relevant in certain contexts, such as assessing protein malnutrition or evaluating liver disease severity in specific clinical scenarios.
A low result may suggest liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or protein loss, while a high result could indicate overproduction of certain proteins or less accurate interpretation due to test limitations. Results should always be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule.
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