Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Copper – Plasma/ Serum
Alias or Abbreviation:Cu, serum trace elements
Accreditation:UKAS Accredited ISO15189:2022 On scope
Intro:
Indications for measuring plasma/serum copper include malabsorption or malnutrition, where copper deficiency is suspected, monitoring of patients on total parenteral nutrition, suspected toxicity or investigation of Wilson’s Disease.Raised plasma/serum copper concentrations are seen in inflammatory states and with steroid hormone therapy. When investigating Wilson’s Disease, plasma/serum copper measurement is only of value as an addition to plasma caeruloplasmin concentration and 24 hour urinary copper excretion.
Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:µmol/L
Minimum Sample Volume:100 µL serum/plasma
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Sample Type:
Preferred: Trace element free heparin plasma or serum.Accepted: Lithium heparin plasma, serum (with or without gel separation system) but see notes re: zinc.
Note: EDTA tubes (Including trace element free EDTA) are unsuitable.
Complex Reference Range:Copper Reference Values:
Neonate - 4 months: 1.6-7.9 umol/L
4-6 months: 4.7-17 umol/L
7-12 months: 7.9-20 umol/L
Children >12 months and adults: 11-25 umol/L
Pregnancy >15/40: 25-39 umol/L
Collection Conditions / Other Information:Separate serum/plasma from cells within 12 hours of sample collection. Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable.
If also requesting Zinc:
- Trace element free heparin plasma or serum must be used for adults and older children.
- For paediatrics, standard lithium heparin tubes or serum tubes without a gel separation system may be used but require contamination testing prior to use .
- DO NOT use tubes with a Gel Separator and/ or Black O-Ring .
- Haemolysed samples or samples left on cells > 6hrs are unsuitable.
** The discount for requesting Copper, Zinc and Selenium together applies only when all tests are requested on a single sample.**
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Separate within 12 hours of collection, once separated, serum/plasma stable for 14 days refrigerated.
Store separated plasma/serum at 4 °C prior to dispatch.
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Trace Elements
Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.
Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist, >br/>
SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
