Useful in the assessment of deficiency or overload. Measures both protein-bound and free forms of copper in serum or plasma.
Orderable SIM Number(s)
COPPER, SERUM (LAB817)
Synonyms
Cu, Serum
Cu, Plasma
Copper Plasma
Cu
CUS
Kaiser Fleischer Ring
total blood copper level
Wilson disease
LAB817
ARUP Test Code
0020096
Patient Preparation
Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).
Collect
Royal blue (No Additive), Royal blue (K2EDTA), or Royal blue (NaHep).
Specimen Preparation
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube (ARUP supply #43116) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated or frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens that are not separated from the red cells or clot within 2 hours. Specimens collected in containers other than specified. Specimens transported in containers other than specified.
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of serum/plasma copper, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.
Serum copper may be elevated with infection, inflammation, stress, and copper supplementation. In females, elevated copper may also be caused by oral contraceptives and pregnancy (concentrations may be elevated up to 3 times normal during the third trimester).
Serum copper may be reduced by use of corticosteroids and zinc and by malnutrition or malabsorption.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
CPT Codes
82525
LOINC
5631-7
Overview
Ordering Recommendations
Useful in the assessment of deficiency or overload. Measures both protein-bound and free forms of copper in serum or plasma.
Orderable SIM Number(s)
COPPER, SERUM (LAB817)
Synonyms
Cu, Serum
Cu, Plasma
Copper Plasma
Cu
CUS
Kaiser Fleischer Ring
total blood copper level
Wilson disease
LAB817
ARUP Test Code
0020096
Specimen
Patient Preparation
Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).
Collect
Royal blue (No Additive), Royal blue (K2EDTA), or Royal blue (NaHep).
Specimen Preparation
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube (ARUP supply #43116) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated or frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens that are not separated from the red cells or clot within 2 hours. Specimens collected in containers other than specified. Specimens transported in containers other than specified.
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of serum/plasma copper, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.
Serum copper may be elevated with infection, inflammation, stress, and copper supplementation. In females, elevated copper may also be caused by oral contraceptives and pregnancy (concentrations may be elevated up to 3 times normal during the third trimester).
Serum copper may be reduced by use of corticosteroids and zinc and by malnutrition or malabsorption.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
