Copper

Copper is a mineral needed for blood cell production and nerve and liver function. Measuring blood copper helps detect deficiency, for example after stomach surgery or with long-term zinc use. Alongside other tests, it also helps investigate Wilson’s disease, a rare inherited disorder in which copper accumulates in the liver and brain.

Who the test is intended for

• people after bariatric surgery (stomach reduction) or with diseases that interfere with food absorption, such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease;
• people who take higher doses of zincfor a long time;
• for anaemia or low white blood cells without a clear cause;
• for tingling in the legs, an unsteady gait and weakness without a clear cause;
• younger people with unexplained liver disease or with tremor, changes in speech or behaviour, when the doctor is investigating Wilson’s disease;
• family members of a person with Wilson’s disease, as recommended by a doctor.

What the test reveals

The test shows how much copper is in the blood. Most of this copper is bound to the protein ceruloplasmin, which is made by the liver. Liver function, inflammation, pregnancy and hormones therefore also affect the result.

It is important to know that in Wilson’s disease blood copper is usually low, not high, because ceruloplasmin is also low. Copper then accumulates in the organs, rather than the blood. For this disease, the doctor requests ceruloplasmin, copper in 24-hour urine and an eye examination alongside copper.

What the test involves and how to prepare

Blood is taken from a vein. You do not need to fast unless glucose, lipids or PT are also being measured alongside copper. At blood collection, state whether you take supplements containing zinc or copper, contraceptive pills or hormone therapy, and whether you are pregnant, as these alter the result. Discuss with your doctor whether you need to stop supplements before the test. Blood collection takes a few minutes.

What your result means

• Low copper most often means deficiency due to poor absorption, following stomach or bowel surgery, with excess zinc or with protein loss through the kidneys. It is also low in Wilson’s disease. Do not start copper supplementation yourself before the doctor establishes the cause, because additional copper is harmful in Wilson’s disease.
• Elevated copper most often accompanies inflammation, infection, pregnancy, contraceptive-pill use or hormone therapy and some liver diseases. Copper poisoning is rare.
• Normal copper does not rule out Wilson’s disease, so the doctor requests other tests if it is suspected.

Reference values depend on age and sex and are printed on the report. The doctor interprets the report alongside symptoms, an examination and other results, particularly liver results.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood collected without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed on the Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. If the doctor also wants to check liver function, the Liver health panelcan be tested alongside copper.

Frequently asked questions

Is high blood copper a sign of Wilson’s disease?

Usually not. In Wilson’s disease, blood copper is usually low, while elevated copper usually accompanies inflammation, pregnancy or hormones.

What is the connection between copper and zinc?

Zinc and copper compete for absorption in the gut. Long-term use of higher zinc doses can lead to copper deficiency, and consequently to anaemia and nerve damage.

Can copper deficiency be corrected through diet?

Dietary deficiency is rare in healthy people. Copper is found in nuts, seeds, pulses, whole grains, cocoa, shellfish and organ meats. In bowel disease or after surgery, supplementation is determined by a doctor.

Do I need to fast?

Not for copper alone. Come fasting only if glucose, lipids or PT are also being measured.