copper urine/serum test

Copper is incorporated into enzymes in the body as an essential mineral. These enzymes regulate iron metabolism, the creation of melanin and functioning of the nervous system. Nuts, mushrooms, shellfish, whole grains, dried fruits are all sources of copper to the body. Drinking water is also a copper supplement as it flows through copper pipes. Copper is absorbed by the body in the intestine and made non-toxic by binding it to a protein and transferring it to the liver. The liver, in turn, stores some copper and binds the rest to apocaeruloplasim, a protein, which when attached to copper binds to caeruloplasmin. Excess copper is excreted in the bile by the liver and removed from the body via the stool or urine.

Copper deficiency and excesses are rare. Wilson’s disease, an inherited copper deficiency syndrome, is characterised by excess storage of copper in the liver, brain and other organs.

Your doctor will advise you if you need to be treated according to your test results. Products containing copper peptides benefits the skin and body, albeit in a moderate manner.

The copper test measures the amount of copper in urine, blood or liver to diagnose and monitor any deficiency or excess. Urine copper test or serum copper test helps to diagnose Wilson’s disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis all of which are copper disease owing to an imbalance in copper levels in the body.

You may have the following signs and copper deficiency symptoms related to Wilson’s disease or imbalance in copper levels in the blood when treated for a copper- related condition which will call for a copper blood test.

• Jaundice

• Nausea

• Fatigue and difficulty in walking or swallowing

• Tremor

• Behavioural changes

• Abdominal pain

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and/or a 24-hour urine sample is taken. A liver biopsy sample will be requested if deemed necessary.

No preparation is needed for this test.

How to interpret the results

Total serum copper level concentrations are normally low at birth, rise over the next few years, peak, and then decline slightly to a relatively stable level. A low copper serum is associated with Wilson’s disease. The serum copper normal range is 10 to 30 micrograms per 24 hours.

A 24-hour urine sample is needed for this test. On day 1, you need to urinate in the toilet in the morning. Post that for the next 24 hours you need to collect all urine in a container. On day 2, you need to urinate in the container when you wake up in the morning. Close the container and refrigerate it during the collection period. This is where we can help. Our lab assistants will label, date and time on the container and collect it from your home. A blood sample can also be requested where one of our assistants will come and conduct the test at your home.

Booking a test with us is extremely easy. You can either call us or book online through our portal. Get your samples collected at your doorstep or office. Reports will be delivered via email.

Screening for copper concentration is not needed for everyone. If a doctor suspects Wilson’s disease, then he may recommend a blood copper test and if these are abnormal, will follow it with a 24-hour urine copper test. To test copper toxicity, deficiency or disorder relating to metabolism, blood or urine copper tests will be used to evaluate the patient’s condition.