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 globulin proteins essential for maintaining fluid balance, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune function.
["Total protein helps assess overall health, hydration, and potential liver or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36800-1
- Short code
- MRA Knee ves-L
- Synonyms
- MRA Knee ves-L
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- 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 levels, check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or fluid imbalances. It can also help diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions, such as protein-losing disorders or chronic kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a liver function panel, but this depends on your specific order. Drink plenty of water the day before to ensure proper hydration.
What Happens During the Test?
A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis using the bromocresol green dye method to measure protein concentration.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low or high protein levels may signal underlying health concerns, so your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your medical history and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low total protein levels may indicate conditions such as malnutrition, liver disease (like cirrhosis), kidney disease, or excessive protein loss (e.g., from chronic diarrhea or protein-losing nephropathy). High levels could suggest dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe inflammation. Monitoring protein levels helps guide treatment for these conditions.
Short name
Total Protein (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
Can I eat or drink anything before 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