Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration (Bromocresol Green Dye Binding)
This test measures how bromocresol green dye binds to proteins in your blood, often used to assess protein levels or liver function.
["This test helps doctors check protein or liver health by tracking dye binding efficiency."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102364-7
- Short code
- S rostrata IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- S rostrata IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rast
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
Bromocresol green (BCG) is a dye that binds to proteins in your blood, particularly albumin. When mixed with serum or plasma, the dye’s ability to bind is influenced by protein concentration, which can reflect overall protein status or liver function. This test is sometimes used to evaluate conditions affecting protein synthesis or liver disease.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect liver disease, protein malnutrition, or other conditions affecting protein levels. It can also be part of routine monitoring for certain chronic conditions.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The blood is then separated into serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part before clotting). The sample is sent to a lab for testing with bromocresol green.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours if the test is part of a liver function panel. Avoiding certain medications or foods that could affect protein levels may also be advised, depending on your provider’s instructions.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low dye binding may indicate hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels), which can occur in liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. High binding could suggest conditions like multiple myeloma or other protein disorders. This test is less commonly used today but may still be part of specialized evaluations.
Short name
BCG Dye Binding Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or high result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy