Copper

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Plasma

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

Copper is a vital mineral that plays a key role in the body by helping many enzymes work properly. It's important for detecting conditions like Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis, where copper balance is off. This test is also used to check on the health of patients, especially babies born early, who are getting extra nutrition.

Biomarker summary

Copper

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details

Copper Test - Copper is a vital mineral that plays a key role in our body by helping many enzymes work properly. It's important for detecting conditions like Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis, where copper balance is off. Copper levels can go up during certain times, like when you're sick or in the last part of pregnancy. They can go down due to kidney problems, not absorbing nutrients well, or not getting enough nutrients. This test is also used to check on the health of patients, especially babies born early, who are getting extra nutrition. Doctors often look at copper test results along with another test called ceruloplasmin to get the full picture.

What patients is this test right for?

This test is especially important for people suspected of having diseases that affect copper levels in the body, or for monitoring the nutritional status of certain patients, like preterm newborns.

What type of sample is required for this test?

2 mL plasma. It needs to be collected in a special tube called an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or a heparin (royal blue-top) tube.

Test Resources

For more information, it's recommended to consult healthcare professionals.

Average sample processing time

3–5 business days

Reference range

≤5 Months 38-104 mcg/dL
6-11 Months 24-152 mcg/dL
12 Months-23 Months 76-193 mcg/dL
1-3 Years 87-187 mcg/dL
4-5 Years 56-191 mcg/dL
6-9 Years 117-181 mcg/dL
10-13 Years 87-182 mcg/dL
14-17 Years 75-187 mcg/dL
≥18 Years 70-175 mcg/dL

Health categories

Patient instructions

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions:

Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.

More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide

In-office phlebotomy instructions

Specimen

Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or heparin (royal blue-top) tube
Alternative: NA
Minimum Volume: 0.7 mL
Collection Instructions: NA

Storage and shipping instructions