Serum or Plasma Total Protein by Bromocresol Green (BCG) Method
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and other proteins like globulins. Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune responses.
["Total protein helps assess overall health, hydration, and potential liver or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 37644-2
- Short code
- XR tomo Wrist-R
- Synonyms
- XR tomo Wrist-R
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-tomography
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting protein levels, such as liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or dehydration. It can also help diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions like nephrotic syndrome or severe infections.
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 it’s part of a liver function panel. Avoid excessive alcohol or certain medications that could affect results. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using the bromocresol green dye method to measure protein concentration.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems, while high levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain medical conditions like multiple myeloma.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormally low or high protein levels can signal underlying health issues. Low protein may reflect poor nutrient absorption, chronic liver disease, or kidney dysfunction, while high protein could indicate dehydration, severe infections, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Total Protein (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low total protein levels?
What causes high total protein levels?
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