Copper (Plasma)
Plasma copper is measured to screen for Wilson's disease and for nutritional assessment.
| Tube | Trace Metals |
|---|---|
| ID | 29935 |
| Availability | Weekdays. Contact laboratory if urgent analysis is required. |
| Additional Information | Risk factors for nutritional copper deficiency include intestinal failure, malabsorption particularly in the upper GI tract including after bariatric surgery, and excessive zinc supplementation/ingestion. Diagnosis of Wilson's disease can be complex. A plasma copper within or above the reference range cannot exclude Wilson's. A full assessment should be made including 24 hour urine copper, serum caeruloplasmin, examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings and (where indicated) tissue copper estimation in a liver biopsy specimen. Individuals who are heterozygous for Wilson's disease or acaeruloplasminaemia are generally asymptomatic and may have a plasma copper concentration below the lower limit of the reference interval. |
| Turn Around | 7 days |
| Send to | Specialist Laboratory Medicine, Block 46, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF |
| Collection Con | For paediatric samples 0.5mL heparinised blood would be suitable. |
| Sample REQ | Centrifuge and separate by hand to avoid sample contamination. Store at 4C prior to sending. |
| Units | umol/L |
| Telepath | CU1J |
| ICE Codes | LCU |
