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SPECIAL STAIN, COPPER (RHODANINE)
MessageThis test is ordered by pathologists.
Test Code
1463318664
CPT Codes
88313-TC
Preferred Specimen
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block
Methodology
Special stain interpreted by a pathologist
FDA Status
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by WVUH in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
Clinical Significance
Copper staining is used to identify increased stainable copper in tissue. For example, increased hepatic copper is seen in patients with Wilson’s disease, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and long-standing extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Some patients with chronic active hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis also have raised liver copper concentrations, but not to the levels found in Wilson’s disease and PBC.
The rhodanine (p-dimethylaminobenzalrhodanine) method for copper appears to be more sensitive than the rubeanic acid method; however, it has been suggested that rhodanine demonstrates the protein to which the copper binds rather than to the copper itself. Therefore, although considered more sensitive, rhodanine may be less specific than the rubeanic acid methods and false-positive results may be obtained. As such, clinical and laboratory correlations are necessary to properly interpret the staining results.
The rhodanine (p-dimethylaminobenzalrhodanine) method for copper appears to be more sensitive than the rubeanic acid method; however, it has been suggested that rhodanine demonstrates the protein to which the copper binds rather than to the copper itself. Therefore, although considered more sensitive, rhodanine may be less specific than the rubeanic acid methods and false-positive results may be obtained. As such, clinical and laboratory correlations are necessary to properly interpret the staining results.
Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc.
