Copper Serum Test

Copper Serum Test Overview

The copper serum test is a diagnostic method to determine how much copper is present in your blood. An important trace mineral, copper is necessary to produce red blood cells, the maintenance of the immune and neurological systems, and the facilitation of appropriate iron absorption. When a person faces low or high copper levels, it indicates hidden health problems. When a doctor suspects copper metabolism abnormalities such Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, or copper deficiency brought on by malnutrition or issues with absorption, a copper serum test is recommended.

Healthcare professionals can evaluate liver function, identify genetic illnesses, and check nutritional balance by looking at your blood copper levels. An essential component of evaluations of nutritional and metabolic health is the Copper Serum Test.

Why is the Copper Serum Test Prescribed?

An individual who exhibits symptoms of copper imbalance, the doctor would recommend the test. A copper shortage or excess can have serious health effects.

• Copper Deficiency: Low white blood cell counts, anemia, exhaustion, and pale skin are all symptoms of copper deficiency. Intestinal surgery, certain genetic abnormalities, or inadequate food intake can all cause it.

• Copper toxicity: Too much copper can harm the liver and kidneys in addition to causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Wilson's illness, a rare hereditary disorder in which the body accumulates copper, is frequently connected to it.

Besides these, the doctor will recommend the test if the patient shows any of the following symptoms:

• Weakness or fatigue

• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Stiffness or tremors in the muscles

• Confusion or changes in behavior

Components of the Copper Serum Test

The quantity of copper that is freely flowing in the blood is measured by the Copper Serum Test. Adults normally have copper levels in the range of 70 to 140 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

Abnormal test results may indicate a variety of health issues:

• Elevated copper levels show the sign of acute liver failure, Wilson's disease, or copper poisoning.

• Malnutrition, Menkes disease, or poor copper absorption may be indicated by low copper levels.

Procedure and Prerequisites

For an individual to undergo the copper serum test, there is no special preparation required. However, it is important to provide information about the medical history to the doctor. Here is the procedure followed-

• The clinician would withdraw a sample of blood from your vein.

• After that, the sample is delivered to a lab for examination.

• Based on the testing facility, results are usually ready in a few days.