Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is distributed in Wilson’s disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions. Copper concentrations decrease 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 ceroplasmin.
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma; specimen received more than 72 hours after collection; frozen specimen.