If trace metal tubes are not available then the following tubes are acceptable:
Serum samples are not suitable if zinc is also requested
Serum samples are not suitable if zinc is also requested
Units: umol/L
|
Reference range: 0 to 1year old: 6.3 - 26.8 1 yr to <11year old: 12.6 - 28.3 11yr and older: 11.8 - 22.8 |
Uncertainty of Measurement: 10%
Test performed on weekdays.
Principle : Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Instrument : PlasmaQuant MS Elite
This test measures total plasma copper. 95% of plasma copper is bound to the enzyme ceruloplasmin. Total serum copper concentrations are decreased concomitantly with ceruloplasmin in most patients with Wilson's disease. The free copper fraction in plasma is increased in Wilson's disease, leading to increased urine copper in this condition. The free copper fraction in plasma cannot be reliably measured.
Decreased plasma copper concentrations are also found in cystic fibrosis, nephrotic syndrome and other conditions which reduce serum protein concentrations. It has no diagnostic value in these conditions.
Increased in pregnancy (up to 45 umol/L) and oral contraceptive use. Also increased in association with inflammatory disorders, as ceruloplasmin is a positive acute phase protein.
Copper deficiency is extremely rare. It presents with anaemia, neutropaenia and myelopathy with sensory ataxia. Causes of copper deficiency include gastric surgery, malabsorption, excessive zinc ingestion, and the rare Menke's kinky hair disease.
Reference: Kumar N. Copper deficiency myelopathy (Human Swayback). Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81(10):1371-84.
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427