Serum or Plasma Total Protein by Bromocresol Green (BCG) Method
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins help maintain fluid balance, support immune function, and transport nutrients.
["Total protein helps assess hydration, liver function, and potential protein loss conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22597-9
- Short code
- Deprecated T spiralis IgA Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated T spiralis IgA Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or certain infections. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like nephrotic syndrome or severe dehydration.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for a short time.
How the Test Works
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s tested using the bromocresol green dye method to measure protein concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate fluid loss, liver/kidney issues, or poor nutrition. High levels could suggest dehydration or conditions like multiple myeloma.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated or low total protein levels can signal underlying health issues. For example, low protein may point to kidney disease, liver failure, or malnutrition, while high levels could suggest dehydration or certain blood disorders. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes low protein levels?
What causes high protein levels?
How often should I get this test?
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