Micronutrient, Copper, Plasma

What this laboratory test evaluates

Micronutrient, Copper, Plasma
Copper is a crucial mineral that helps many of our enzymes work properly. This test checks copper levels in the body, which can tell us a lot about certain health conditions. It's especially important for diagnosing diseases like Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper levels can go up during certain times, like when you're sick or in the last part of pregnancy. They can go down if you have kidney problems, trouble absorbing nutrients, or aren't getting enough nutrition. This test is also used to keep an eye on copper levels in people, especially babies born too early, who are getting extra nutrition. Providers often look at copper and ceruloplasmin levels together to get the full picture.

What patients is this test right for?This test might be recommended if there are concerns about diseases affecting copper metabolism or to monitor copper levels in those receiving nutritional supplements.

What type of sample is required for this test?2 mL plasma.
This requires a blood sample to be collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube.

Test ResourcesInformation on how to understand your test results or prepare for the test isn't provided here, but your healthcare provider can give you more details.

Additional test information

Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is disturbed in Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions and during the third trimester of pregnancy. Copper concentrations are decreased with nephrosis, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Copper concentrations are also useful to monitor patients, especially preterm newborns, on nutritional supplementation. Results of copper are often interpreted together with ceruloplasmin.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Plasma
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Complex Multi-System Illness and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.