Serum Albumin by Bromocresol Green (BCG) Method
This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function.
["Albumin levels can indicate overall protein health and kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10765-6
- Short code
- AE Stn Tiss
- Synonyms
- AE Stn Tiss
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- acetate-esterase-stain
- 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 Albumin Does in Your Body
Albumin is a key protein that helps distribute fluids throughout your body and carries important substances like hormones and medications. It also plays a role in supporting your immune system by helping white blood cells function properly. Low albumin may signal issues like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.
Why Your Doctor Might Check Albumin
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or severe infections. It can also help monitor treatment effectiveness in patients receiving dialysis or receiving certain medications.
Common Reasons for Testing
Albumin testing is often done when symptoms like swelling (edema), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in skin appearance are present. It may also be part of routine checks for patients with chronic illnesses.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a larger blood draw panel. A small needle will be used to draw blood from a vein in your arm.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) can indicate serious health issues such as severe protein loss (e.g., from kidney disease), liver failure, or chronic infections. High albumin levels may suggest dehydration or certain genetic conditions. Monitoring albumin helps doctors diagnose and manage these conditions early.
Short name
Albumin (BCG)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low albumin levels?
What does it mean if my albumin level is low?
Can albumin levels change with diet?
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