Serum or plasma protein electrophoresis with bromocresol green dye binding assay
This test measures the distribution of proteins in your blood using electrophoresis and checks how bromocresol green binds to certain protein fractions.
["Helps identify protein patterns that may indicate conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or other metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4594-8
- Short code
- Hgb I Bld Ql Elph Alk
- Synonyms
- Hgb I Bld Ql Elph Alk
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis-ph
- CPT
- 84132
- SNOMED
- 110742001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Electrophoresis separates blood proteins into different fractions based on size and charge. Bromocresol green binds to albumin and globulin proteins, allowing for their relative quantification. This helps assess protein distribution in serum or plasma.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting protein levels, such as liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), kidney disease, or certain genetic disorders. It can also help evaluate nutritional status or detect abnormal protein synthesis.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then analyzed using electrophoresis and the bromocresol green dye binding method.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is particularly useful for identifying patterns in protein fractions that may signal conditions like hypoalbuminemia (low albumin), dysproteinemias (abnormal protein levels), or metabolic disorders such as porphyria.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein electrophoresis results can reveal underlying issues like chronic liver disease, multiple myeloma, or other systemic protein abnormalities. The bromocresol green assay helps quantify albumin and globulin levels, aiding in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.
Short name
BCG Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does a bromocresol green test detect?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect 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