Serum copper, Wilson disease, PBC, Cu
Up to 24 hours
Colorimetric
Age- and Sex-specific
EDTA plasma is not a suitable sample type and will be rejected. Rejection criteria: EDTA Plasma and Grossly hemolyzed specimens
Accredited NRL Laboratory
Daily
Copper is an essential trace element, involved in many biological functions. Indications for measurement include assessment of nutritional status and potential deficiency but also states of excess copper (Wilson disease), primary biliary or sclerosing cholangitis.
Serum or Heparinized Plasma
1 mL
Trace Metal Serum (Royal Blue Top with RED stripe on the label) - Preferred, Serum Separator Tube (SST; Gold Top) - Acceptable, Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top) - Acceptable
No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. If this is not possible, samples should be centrifuged and transported refrigerated (2-8°C).
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 1 year |