Caeruloplasmin, serum
Clinical Background:
Caeruloplasmin is an acute phase and a transport protein. It is the major copper transport protein and incorportation of copper into the caeruloplasmin occurs during its synthesis in the hepatocyte...
Caeruloplasmin is an acute phase and a transport protein. It is the major copper transport protein and incorportation of copper into the caeruloplasmin occurs during its synthesis in the hepatocytes. After liver secretion, it migrates to copper-requiring tissue where the copper is liberated during catabolism of the caeruloplasmin molecule. In addition to transporting copper, caeruloplasmin has a catalytic function in the oxidation of iron, polyamines, catecholamines and polyphenols.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated sample:
- 8 days at 15-25C
- 14 days at 2-8C
- 1 year at -20C
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated sample:
- 8 days at 15-25C
- 14 days at 2-8C
- 1 year at -20C
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient temperature
Ambient temperature
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Interpretation:
Decreased caeruloplasmin concentrations are characteristic of Wilson's Disease. Wilsons disease is due to missing copper incorporation into caeruloplasmin and results in pathological deposits of co...
Read MoreDecreased caeruloplasmin concentrations are characteristic of Wilson's Disease. Wilsons disease is due to missing copper incorporation into caeruloplasmin and results in pathological deposits of copper in the liver, brain, cornea and kidneys. Additionally the rare Menkes syndrome is a genetic copper disorder with concomitant lowering of the caeruloplasmin level. The most important causes of acquired caeruloplasmin depressions are protein loss syndromes and liver disease. Caeruloplasmin is also a sensitive positive acute phase reactant, with increases occurring during acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Levels may also be increased in rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, neoplasia, infection , pregnancy, oestrogen therapy and oral contraceptive use. Low caeruloplasmin levels alone cannot diagnose a copper related disease and need to be measured alongside measurements of copper levels.
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Reference Ranges:
Paediatric 0 - 30d: 0.03 - 0.25 g/L
1m - 12m: 0.14 - 0.44 g/L
1y - 6y: 0.23 - 0.51 g/L
7y+: As adult
Adult: 0.15 - 0.45g/L
Paediatric 0 - 30d: 0.03 - 0.25 g/L
1m - 12m: 0.14 - 0.44 g/L
1y - 6y: 0.23 - 0.51 g/L
7y+: As adult
Adult: 0.15 - 0.45g/L
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Other Info:
Lithium heparin plasma also acceptable
Lithium heparin plasma also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: