Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration (Bromocresol Green Dye Binding)
This test measures how bromocresol green dye binds to a protein in your blood, often used to assess liver function or protein synthesis.
["This test helps check liver health or protein levels in your bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6236-4
- Short code
- Cultivated Rye IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Cultivated Rye IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Bromocresol green (BCG) is a dye that binds to albumin, a key protein produced by your liver. When this dye binds, it changes color, which helps doctors measure how much protein is available in your blood. This test can indirectly reflect liver function or protein synthesis capacity.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect liver disease, protein disorders, or other conditions affecting protein production. It’s sometimes used alongside other tests to get a clearer picture of liver health or nutritional status.
Common Conditions Monitored
While less commonly used today, BCG dye binding tests historically helped diagnose conditions like liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, or protein-losing syndromes. Modern tests often replace it with more direct protein measurements.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s tested for how much bromocresol green binds to proteins. Results are reported as a ratio or percentage of dye binding compared to a standard.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
BCG Dye Binding Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is primarily historical but may still appear in older medical records or specific clinical contexts. It provides indirect insight into liver function and protein metabolism, though newer tests like albumin or globulin levels are preferred for diagnosis.
How long will it take to get results?
What does a low or high result mean?
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