Serum copper – laboratory test

Description

Why serum copper is tested

Copper is a trace element essential for the function of many enzymes: it plays a part in iron metabolism and the formation of red blood cells, in the formation of connective tissue, in the work of the nervous and immune systems, and in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Both a deficiency and an excess of copper harm health. Measuring serum copper helps the doctor diagnose Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder in which copper accumulates in the liver and brain, as well as assess copper deficiency and diseases of the bile ducts. Most of the copper in the blood is bound to a protein called ceruloplasmin, so the result is often assessed together with its level.

When it is worth having this test

• when Wilson’s disease is suspected, e.g. in a young person with unexplained abnormal liver tests or neurological symptoms,
• in anaemia that does not respond to iron treatment,
• in absorption disorders, e.g. coeliac disease, and in people taking high doses of zinc for a long time, as zinc impairs copper absorption,
• in the diagnosis of cholestatic liver diseases, when ordered by a doctor,
• before planned copper supplementation and to monitor it, as advised by a doctor.

How to prepare

• Come fasting; you may drink water. Laboratory recommendations on eating before this test differ, so we apply the safer option.
• If you have recently had a test with a contrast agent containing gadolinium, iodine or barium, let us know: Mayo Clinic Laboratories recommends waiting 96 hours before the blood draw.
• Tell the doctor about hormonal contraception, oestrogen therapy, pregnancy and zinc or copper supplements, as they change the result.
• Because of the limited stability of the sample, blood is collected only at selected points that have a centrifuge.

How to read the result

According to the NIH, there is no single test that reliably measures the body’s copper status, and inflammation, pregnancy and oestrogens change its level in the blood. The result is assessed by a doctor, usually together with ceruloplasmin and liver tests. The reference range on the laboratory printout applies.

What to test together

Ceruloplasmin, Zinc, Copper in urine, Full blood count, Liver panel. More: Badania-Medyczne.pl.

Sources: ALAB laboratoria, Serum copper (indications, sample); Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Copper, Serum (causes of low and high levels, Wilson’s disease, effect of contrast); NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Copper Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (functions, limits of assessment, deficiency). Informational content; it does not replace a medical consultation.