Copper
What this test measures
Copper is a trace element needed for iron handling, energy production, nerve insulation, connective tissue and pigment. Most of it in the blood is carried by a protein called caeruloplasmin, which is made by the liver and rises with inflammation and with oestrogen. Serum copper and caeruloplasmin are usually read together.
Why doctors request it
It is requested, with caeruloplasmin, when Wilson's disease is being looked into in younger people with liver or neurological problems, when copper shortage is a possibility (weight-loss surgery, poor absorption, long-term intravenous feeding, high zinc intake causing anaemia or nerve problems), and it is on some private nutrition panels.
What commonly pushes it up
- Any inflammation or infection, because caeruloplasmin rises
- Pregnancy, the combined contraceptive pill and HRT
- Liver disease, including cholestasis
- Some cancers and blood conditions
- Female sex, in the general population
- Copper in supplements or from copper water pipes, rarely
What commonly pushes it down
- Wilson's disease, where the carrier protein is low even though copper builds up in the liver
- High zinc intake, from supplements or denture creams, which blocks copper absorption
- Weight-loss surgery and other causes of poor absorption
- Long-term intravenous feeding without added copper
- Low protein states and severe malnutrition
- Menkes disease, a very rare inherited condition in boys
Everyday reasons for a value outside the range
- A raised copper is very often simply inflammation, the combined pill or pregnancy raising caeruloplasmin
- Women run higher than men
- Blood collected in a standard tube rather than a trace-element tube can read falsely high
About the sample
A fasting morning sample in a trace-element tube, usually with caeruloplasmin and CRP so the two can be read together. For Wilson's disease a 24-hour urine copper is often collected as well.
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Read my report freeThis is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.