Description

Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is disturbed in Wilsons disease, Menkes disease, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions. They decrease in nephrosis, malabsorption and malnutrition. Copper levels are also useful to monitor patients specially preterm newborns on nutritional supplementation. Results of copper are often interpreted together with ceruloplasmin.

Pre-Information

After receiving contrast media containing barium, the specimen shouldn't be taken for 96 hours.