Serum/Plasma Total Protein by Bromocresol Green (BCG) Method
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum or plasma, which includes proteins like albumin and globulins. Proteins are essential for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immunity, and transporting nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels help your body function properly and can signal potential health issues if they’re too high or too low."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86705-1
- Short code
- L intracell Ab Titr Ser IA
- Synonyms
- L intracell Ab Titr Ser IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 This Test Matters
Blood proteins play key roles in your body’s health, including keeping fluids in circulation, aiding immune function, and transporting important substances. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like dehydration, liver disease, kidney problems, or infections.
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 it’s part of a liver or kidney evaluation. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol to ensure accurate results.
What the Results Mean
Your doctor will compare your results to standard ranges to check for any imbalances. High protein levels might suggest dehydration, severe infections, or certain cancers, while low levels could point to liver disease, kidney failure, or malnutrition.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, or to evaluate fluid balance in severe illness. It’s also used in screening for conditions affecting protein synthesis or breakdown.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated protein levels may reflect conditions such as dehydration, severe infections, or inflammatory diseases, while low levels often signal liver dysfunction, kidney disease, or protein-losing conditions. This test is a simple yet valuable tool for assessing overall protein status in the bloodstream.
Short name
Total Protein (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low protein result mean?
Does diet affect protein test results?
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