Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Blood in Dark Blue Top Tube
- Li Hep Plasma
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Separate without delay to avoid haemolysis-Centrifuge and separate
For paediatric investigations, when the sample volume is limited, please collect blood into Sarstedt lithium heparin tubes (a minimum of 25 μl plasma is needed)
Sample Preparation
Centrifuge blood specimen.
Turnaround Time
5 working daysSample Stability
Usual
Copper
General Information
Copper is an important trace element which funtions as a catalytic component of numerous enzymes and is also a structural component of other important proteins.
A deficiency of copper has been noted in a number of conditions including malnourishment, malabsorption syndromes, prematurity, cardiovascular disease and Menkes syndrome. Copper deficiency presents as a microcytic hypochromic anaemia with marked neutropenia, which is resistant to iron therapy. Children and neonates on diets deficient in copper have ineffective collagen synthesis, and may develop bone disease. As the liver contains substantial stores of copper, frank clinical copper deficiency is unusual, but has been reported in malnourished children and in adults on long term parenteral nutrition.
Raised values are seen in inflammatory states and with steroid hormone therapy. When investigating Wilson Disease, plasma/serum copper measurement is only of value as an addition to plasma caeruloplasmin concentration and 24 hour urinary copper excretion.
Caeruloplasmin and 24 hour urinary copper should be used for the initial investigation of Wilson's Disease, due to the many potential problems of interpreting the serum copper concentration.
Patient Preparation
For paediatric investigations, when the sample volume is limited, please collect blood into Sarstedt lithium heparin tubes (a minimum of 25 μl plasma is needed)
Notes
Copper test results must be evaluated in context and are usually compared to caeruloplasmin concentration. Abnormal copper results are not diagnostic of a specific condition; they indicate the need for further investigation. Interpretation can be complicated by the fact that caeruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant – it may be elevated whenever inflammation or severe infections are present. Both caeruloplasmin and copper are also increased during pregnancyand with oestrogen and oral contraceptive use.
Test results may include:
Low blood copper concentrations along with increased urine copper excretion, low caeruloplasmin concentrations, and increased hepatic copper are typically seen with Wilson’s disease.
Increased blood and urine copper concentrations and normal or increased caeruloplasmin concentration may indicate exposure to excess copper or may be associated with conditions that decrease copper excretion – such as liver disease. Increased hepatic copper may be present with chronic conditions.
Decreased blood and urine copper concentrations and decreased caeruloplasmin may indicate a copper deficiency.
Reference Range
|
Copper (serum) (CU) |
µmol/L |
|
0 – <4 months |
1.4 – 7.2 |
|
4 – <6 months |
3.9 – 17.3 |
|
6 months – <9 years |
11.1-27.4 |
|
9 years – <13 years |
11.2-23.7 |
|
13 years – 19 years |
11.0-22.5 |
|
> 19 years |
11.0-25.1 |
|
Pregnancy: 16 weeks to term |
27 - 40 |
|
Wilson’s Disease |
< 4 |
(Source: SAS Trace Element Update, 2018)
Specifications
-
EQA Status:
UK Guildford NEQAS Trace Elements Scheme