Serum/Plasma Immunoassay for Total Protein with Bromocresol Green Dye Binding (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein status and kidney function.
["Total protein levels can indicate hydration, kidney health, or nutritional needs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22592-0
- Short code
- T palldm IgG Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- T palldm IgG Ser-aCnc
- 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
Why This Test Matters
Your body needs proteins for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining fluid balance. Blood protein levels can also reflect how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Low or high protein levels may signal underlying health issues like malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest afterward, as drawing blood can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
What the Results Mean
Your results will show the total protein concentration in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, very low levels may suggest malnutrition, severe kidney disease, or liver dysfunction, while very high levels could indicate dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe inflammation.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions like kidney disease (e.g., nephrotic syndrome), liver disease, malnutrition, or dehydration. It may also help evaluate protein-losing conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or connective tissue diseases.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein levels can signal serious health risks. Low protein levels may impair immune function, muscle wasting, or fluid balance, while high levels can indicate dehydration, inflammation, or blood disorders. Regular monitoring helps manage chronic conditions and guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Total Protein (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What causes protein levels to be too low?
What causes protein levels to be too high?
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