Copper, Free, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: COPP FREE
Use
The Copper, Free, Serum or Plasma test is useful in the assessment of copper overload or in monitoring the response to copper-reducing therapies. It directly measures the free (non-ceruloplasmin bound) fraction of copper, which is significant as elevated free copper indicates an imbalance that can be associated with conditions such as Wilson Disease or copper toxicity.
Special Instructions
Test is not performed at ARUP; separate specimens must be submitted if multiple tests are ordered. Specimens for elemental testing should be collected in certified metal-free containers to avoid contamination. Unexpected elevated results should be verified by testing another specimen in a trace metal-free container.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by NMS Labs. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Comparison of reported concentrations to techniques that measure calculated free copper concentrations is not recommended. Elevated results may be caused by environmental contamination during specimen collection, and should be interpreted accordingly.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5631-7
Result Turnaround Time
7-11 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1.2 mL
Container
Acid-washed transfer vial or ARUP trace element-free transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum or plasma to an acid-washed transfer vial or ARUP trace element-free transport tube.
Causes for Rejection
Separator tubes.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 month |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | 1 month |