Serum or Plasma Total Protein by Bromocresol Purple (BCP) Method
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and kidney function.
["Total protein helps check for conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76054-6
- Short code
- ST Amp L-II
- Synonyms
- ST Amp L-II
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- 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 doctor may order this test to evaluate protein balance in your body. High or low protein levels can signal underlying health issues, such as kidney disease, liver disorders, or malnutrition. It’s also used to monitor conditions like edema (fluid retention) or protein-losing syndromes.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Very high or very low levels may require further medical evaluation to determine the cause.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is separated into serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part before clotting) for testing.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
High protein levels may occur with dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections. Low protein levels can result from kidney disease, liver failure, or conditions that cause excessive protein loss (e.g., protein-losing enteropathy).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total protein testing is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting protein synthesis, absorption, or retention. It helps identify systemic issues like malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or inflammatory states that may not show other symptoms.
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a high total protein level usually indicate?
What does a low total protein level usually indicate?
Can diet affect my total protein test results?
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