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Copper
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: CU
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Trace element tube (dark blue)
Special instructions
None
Reference Range
0 - <4 months (0 - 119 days): 1.4 - 7.2
4 - <6 months (120 - 179 days): 3.9 - 17.3
6+ months (180+ days) - <9 years: 11.0 - 25.0
Sent away
to Southmead Hospital (NBT), Bristol
Units
µmol/L
Linked to
Caeruloplasmin
Turnaround Time
9
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Investigation of suspected Wilson's disease, e.g where ALT is persistently elevated. Use in conjunction with serum measurement of caeruloplasmin. Urine copper excretion may also need to be measured if serum copper/caeruloplasmin is abnormal or equivocal.
Acute inflammatory response causes gradual increase in copper concentration due to induction of caeruloplasmin synthesis. Consider appropriateness of request if CRP is significantly elevated (e.g. if CRP 100-200, there may be a 30% increase in serum copper concentration).
Copper results should be interpreted alongside albumin and CRP results.
