| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry (SENDOUTS) | ||||
| Test Name: |
COPPER - (U)
Test Code:
COPU
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| Clinical Information: |
Test Indications: Investigation of Wilson disease and obstructive liver disease.
The biliary system is the major pathway of copper excretion. Biliary excretion of copper requires an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent transporter protein. Variants in the gene for the transporter protein cause hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease). Ceruloplasmin, the primary copper-carrying protein in the blood, is also reduced in Wilson disease. Urine copper excretion is increased in Wilson disease due to a decreased serum binding of copper to ceruloplasmin or due to allelic variances in cellular metal ion transporters. Low urine copper levels are seen in malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, malabsorption, and nephrotic syndrome. Increased zinc consumption interferes with normal copper absorption from the gastrointestinal tract causing hypocupremia. Patient preparation instructions: Avoid mineral supplements for 5 days. |
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| Collection Devices: |
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| Specimen Required: |
Urine: 10.0 mL
Specimen Stability: Ambient: 14 days Refrigerated: 11 months Frozen: 11 months |
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| Referral: |
Urine: 10.0 mL
Shipping & Storage: Collect and transfer 10 mL in a metal-free specimen vial. State ’24 h urine’, ’collection date’ and ’total volume’ or indicate ’Random’. Store and send refrigerated to In-Common Laboratories.
Referred Out Location: In-Common Laboratories. |
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| Requisition: | |||||
| Reference Values: |
Method of Analysis: ICP-MS
24 h Urine , In-Common Laboratories Reference Values Random Urine , In-Common Laboratories Reference Values |
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| Availability: |
Within 10 Days
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| More Information: |