Micronutrient, Copper, Plasma
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Plasma
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
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.
- Copper
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Copper is a crucial mineral that helps many of our enzymes work properly. This test checks copper levels in the body, which can tell us a lot about certain health conditions. It's especially important for diagnosing diseases like Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper levels can go up during certain times, like when you're sick or in the last part of pregnancy. They can go down if you have kidney problems, trouble absorbing nutrients, or aren't getting enough nutrition. This test is also used to keep an eye on copper levels in people, especially babies born too early, who are getting extra nutrition. Providers often look at copper and ceruloplasmin levels together to get the full picture.
This requires a blood sample to be collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube.
2–4 business days
Reference range not available for individuals <18 years for this micronutrient test.
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
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.7 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Acid-washed or metal-free vial
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 10 days
- Refrigerated: 30 days
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis • Serum or plasma not separated from cells • Samples submitted in non-trace metal or non-acid washed containers
Minimum age:
18
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
