Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration (Bromocresol Green Dye Binding)
This test measures how much of a specific protein in your blood binds to bromocresol green dye, which helps assess liver function and protein synthesis.
["This test evaluates liver health by tracking protein levels linked to liver function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24143-0
- Short code
- Sheep Sorrel IgG Qn
- Synonyms
- Sheep Sorrel IgG Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 This Test Measures
The bromocresol green (BCG) dye binding test evaluates the concentration of a protein called alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (or related proteins) in your blood. When BCG dye binds to these proteins, it changes color, allowing the lab to determine how much dye was bound. This process indirectly reflects your liver’s ability to produce certain proteins, which can indicate liver function or other metabolic conditions.
Why It Matters in Medicine
This test is less commonly used today but historically helped diagnose liver disease, protein disorders, or conditions affecting protein synthesis. Modern tests often replace it with more direct measures of liver enzymes or protein levels.
When You Might Need This Test
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of liver disease (e.g., fatigue, jaundice), if you have a known condition affecting protein metabolism, or as part of a broader evaluation for certain metabolic disorders.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum or plasma for testing. This test does not require special preparation, but fasting may be advised depending on your overall health or other tests ordered.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
BCG Dye Binding Test
Frequently asked questions
This test can help identify conditions where protein production is impaired, such as liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, or certain genetic disorders. Abnormal results may suggest the liver is not functioning properly or that there is an underlying metabolic issue affecting protein synthesis.
How is this test different from other protein tests like albumin or globulin?
What are the typical reference ranges for 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