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 globulins. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, such as transporting nutrients and supporting immunity.
["Total protein helps assess overall nutrition, kidney function, and potential protein-losing conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58874-9
- Short code
- GH sp33 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp33 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
What Does Total Protein Measure?
Total protein reflects the combined weight of all proteins in your blood, primarily albumin and globulins. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance and supports blood vessel health, while globulins are part of your immune system. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test to evaluate nutrition, detect kidney or liver disorders, or check for conditions like nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease causing excessive protein loss) or severe protein deficiency.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed to separate serum or plasma, then analyzed using the bromocresol green dye-binding method to measure protein concentration.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Results are compared to standard ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. Low protein levels may signal malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease. High levels could suggest dehydration or conditions like multiple myeloma (a blood cancer affecting protein production).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low total protein levels often point to underlying issues like malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or severe liver disease, as these conditions impair protein synthesis or cause excessive protein loss. High levels may indicate dehydration, inflammation, or certain cancers. Monitoring protein levels helps guide treatment for conditions affecting protein metabolism or retention.
Short name
Total Protein (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What are the typical reference ranges for this test?
Can diet affect my total 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