Copper

Test Code

COPRB

Preferred Specimen

2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.7 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum collected in: No additive (royal blue-top) tube

Instructions

Separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours. Transfer separated plasma/serum to a plastic acid-washed or metal-free vial.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis • Serum or plasma not separated from cells • Samples submitted in non-trace metal or non-acid washed containers

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Night

Clinical Significance

Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is disturbed in Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions and during the third trimester of pregnancy. Copper concentrations are decreased with nephrosis, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Copper concentrations are also useful to monitor patients, especially preterm newborns, on nutritional supplementation. Results of copper are often interpreted together with ceruloplasmin.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.