Bromocresol Green Protein Electrophoresis (Serum)
This test measures protein distribution in your blood serum using bromocresol green dye to separate and analyze protein fractions, often used to evaluate albumin and globulin levels.
["Helps assess protein balance and potential conditions like liver disease or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48176-2
- Short code
- Deprecated M TB rpoB XXX Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- Deprecated M TB rpoB XXX Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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
The bromocresol green dye binds differently to various proteins in your blood. As the proteins migrate through an electric field during electrophoresis, the dye highlights distinct protein bands. This helps distinguish between albumin (the most abundant protein) and globulins (proteins like immunoglobulins).
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting protein levels, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or certain immune disorders. It can also help track responses to treatments or identify hidden protein abnormalities in your bloodstream.
Common Uses
This test is less commonly used today compared to other protein assays but may still be performed for specific clinical scenarios where detailed protein fractionation is needed, such as evaluating hypoalbuminemia or assessing protein-losing conditions.
Sample Collection
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. The serum is then analyzed in a laboratory setting.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
BCG Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
Changes in protein bands detected by this test can indicate underlying health issues. For example, a shift toward higher globulin levels might suggest an immune response or chronic inflammation, while lower albumin levels could point to liver or kidney dysfunction. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will contact you once the results are ready, but this can vary by facility.
Unusual bands may suggest abnormal proteins, such as those found in conditions like multiple myeloma (where abnormal antibodies accumulate) or other protein disorders. Your provider will interpret these findings in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
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