Serum/plasma mass concentration of protein using bromocresol green dye binding method
This test measures the total protein level in your blood, which includes both albumin and globulin proteins. Protein levels help assess overall health, kidney function, and nutritional status.
["Protein levels can indicate hydration, kidney health, or underlying conditions like liver disease or malnutrition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58847-5
- Short code
- GH sp17 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp17 SerPl-mCnc
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your overall protein status, check for conditions affecting protein synthesis or loss (such as kidney disease, liver disease, or malnutrition), or monitor treatment responses in certain medical conditions.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed to measure the total protein mass concentration using a specific dye-binding technique (bromocresol green). This method helps quantify the amount of protein in your serum or plasma.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest for a short time after the draw.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low protein levels may suggest conditions like severe kidney disease, liver failure, malnutrition, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from burns or chronic diarrhea). High protein levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or certain inflammatory conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein levels are a useful marker for assessing nutritional status, kidney function, and the body’s ability to retain proteins. Low protein levels can signal malnutrition or organ dysfunction, while persistently high levels may warrant further investigation into conditions like dehydration or certain cancers.
Short name
BCG Protein Mass Concentration
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a low protein level mean?
Can diet affect protein test results?
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