Trace Element Serum 6.0mL (Dark Blue Top and RED label highlight)
Blood (paediatric)
2 mL
Trace Element Serum 6.0mL (Dark Blue Top and RED label highlight)
Blood (neonatal)
2 mL
Trace Element Serum 6.0mL (Dark Blue Top and RED label highlight)
COLLECTION NOTES
Copper (Cu) should be collected into a trace element free tube (no additive - please check tube label). Plasma from a sodium heparin trace element tube may also be used.
Avoid haemolysis.
See copper - urine for urine testing.
GENERAL NOTES
APPLICATION: Diagnosis of Wilson's disease, Menkes' disease and, occasionally, investigation of copper status in parenteral alimentation. Investigation of suspected copper toxicity.
INTERPRETATION: Caeruloplasmin should always be done with serum/plasma copper. Low levels of copper may occur in Wilson's disease, but copper/caeruloplasmin ratio will be high. Urinary and liver copper are also done to aid diagnosis of Wilson's disease. Low levels of copper also occur in Menkes' disease. Serum copper is not a valid indicator of general health and nutritional status.
