Copper, Cu
Clinical Background:
Copper is a vital component of a number of metalloenzymes that are essential for human health. Ingested copper is mainly stored in the liver and removed via biliary excretion. Thus, cholestatic liv...
Copper is a vital component of a number of metalloenzymes that are essential for human health. Ingested copper is mainly stored in the liver and removed via biliary excretion. Thus, cholestatic liver disease, e.g. primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis, can cause an increase in serum copper levels. Copper circulates predominantly bound to caeruloplasmin, which is a positive acute phase reactant, i.e. copper levels increase during the systemic inflammatory (acute phase) response. Wilson's disease is an inherited cause of copper excess where the liver fails to synthesise caeruloplasmin resulting in accumulation of copper in the liver and other tissues. Acquired copper deficiency is most commonly caused by intestinal disorders, inadequate TPN, and zinc over-supplementation. Menke's disease is an inherited cause of copper deficiency. Increased urinary excretion of copper of up to 100 mg/24hour can be found in patients with Wilson’s disease and Menkes disease.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with red-striped label
Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI site
Urine
24-hour urine in acid-washed bottle
Serum
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with red-striped label
Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI site
Urine
24-hour urine in acid-washed bottle
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with red-striped label - preferred sample if sufficient blood volume can be collected
White top plain tube (glass)
Urine
24-hour urine in acid-washed bottle...
Read MoreSerum
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with red-striped label - preferred sample if sufficient blood volume can be collected
White top plain tube (glass)
Urine
24-hour urine in acid-washed bottle
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Minimum Volume Adult:
Serum: 1 mL blood
Urine: 1 mL urine
Serum: 1 mL blood
Urine: 1 mL urine
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
Serum: 1 mL blood
Urine: 1 mL urine
Serum: 1 mL blood
Urine: 1 mL urine
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Special Requirement:
Avoid contamination by dust.
Avoid contamination by dust.
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Sample Stability:
Serum and urine samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.
Serum and urine samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient temperature.
Ambient temperature.
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Freq Analysis:
Assay performed weekly.
Assay performed weekly.
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Quality Assurance:
Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements
Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements
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Interpretation:
Low serum copper
Wilson's disease (copper toxicity)
Excess zinc or iron ingestion
Long-term total parenteral nutrition in adults and children
Malnourished children; premature infants
Menke's ...Read MoreLow serum copper
Wilson's disease (copper toxicity)
Excess zinc or iron ingestion
Long-term total parenteral nutrition in adults and children
Malnourished children; premature infants
Menke's disease (copper deficiency)High serum copper
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Haemochromatosis
Malignant diseases (including leukaemia)
Thyrotoxicosis
Acute phase responseLow urine copper
Malnutrition/malabsorption
Hypoproteinemias and nephrotic syndromeHigh urine copper
Wilson's disease (copper toxicity)
Menke's disease (copper deficiency)
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Haemochromatosis
Thyrotoxicosis
Various infections and acute, chronic and malignant diseases (including leukaemia)
Women taking OCP/oestrogen during pregnancy -
Reference Ranges:
Serum
Age
Copper (µmol/L)
<4 months
1.4 – 7.2
4 to 6 months
3.9 – 17.3
6 months to 9 years
11.1 – 27.4
9 to 13 years
11.2 – 23.7
13 to 19 years
11.0 ...
Read MoreSerum
Age
Copper (µmol/L)
<4 months
1.4 – 7.2
4 to 6 months
3.9 – 17.3
6 months to 9 years
11.1 – 27.4
9 to 13 years
11.2 – 23.7
13 to 19 years
11.0 – 22.5
>19 years
11.0 – 25.1
Urine
Age
Copper (µmol/24h)
All
<0.7
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Factors Affecting Result:
Failure to adhere to correct specimen collection procedures can cause abnormal results due to specimen (dust) contamination, which can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis.
Heparin may conta...Read MoreFailure to adhere to correct specimen collection procedures can cause abnormal results due to specimen (dust) contamination, which can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis.
Heparin may contain copper. -
Other Info:
Assay performed by ICP-MS in collision mode.
Assay performed by ICP-MS in collision mode.
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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:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes