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Serum/Plasma Immunoassay for Total Protein with Bromocresol Green Dye Binding (Qualitative or Quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein status and kidney function.

Quick summary

["Total protein levels can indicate hydration, kidney health, or nutritional needs."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

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?
Low protein levels can result from poor nutrition (e.g., not eating enough protein-rich foods), kidney disease (which fails to retain proteins), liver disease (which can’t produce enough proteins), or conditions causing protein loss (e.g., severe diarrhea, vomiting, or certain cancers).
What causes protein levels to be too high?
High protein levels may occur due to dehydration (losing more water than protein), multiple myeloma (a blood cancer affecting protein production), severe inflammation, or conditions like kidney failure that cause protein to leak into urine.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor may recommend this test periodically if you have a chronic condition like kidney disease, liver disease, or malnutrition. Follow-up testing depends on your symptoms, treatment plan, and overall health status.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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