Serum or Plasma Electrophoresis (Bromocresol Green)

This section explains what your healthcare provider is measuring with this test, including the specific substance or body function being checked, so you can better understand what your results represent and why this information matters for your ongoing care.

Electrophoresis separates proteins in your blood based on size and electrical charge. Bromocresol green binds to certain proteins, allowing for visual differentiation of protein bands. This helps identify abnormal protein levels or patterns, such as monoclonal spikes (seen in multiple myeloma) or other dysproteinemias.

Your provider may order this test to help diagnose a suspected condition, to see how well a current treatment is working, to monitor a known health problem over time, or as part of a routine checkup, and knowing the reason can help you know what to expect.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, bone pain, frequent infections, or if blood tests suggest abnormal proteins. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress in conditions affecting protein production.

This test is often used to keep track of ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney or liver disease, anemia, and certain heart problems, and regular monitoring helps your care team notice changes early and adjust your treatment plan when needed.

Conditions like multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, or other plasma cell disorders may show distinct protein patterns on electrophoresis. It can also help evaluate conditions affecting liver, kidney, or immune function.

This test usually requires a small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, although some versions use a urine sample or a finger stick, and you may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand, so follow your provider's instructions and mention all medicines and supplements you take.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The sample is then processed to separate serum or plasma for testing. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your doctor’s instructions.