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| Serum copper levels or serum cerruloplasmin are useful tests for detecting copper deficiency. Copper is a component of many body proteins; almost all of the body's copper is bound within copper proteins. Excess copper is excreted through bile. Reasons For Use Serum copper may be elevated with infection, inflammation, stress, copper supplementation, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. Concentrations are 2-3 times normal in the third trimester of pregnancy. Directions Elevated results from noncertified trace element-free tubes may be due to contamination. Elevated concentrations of trace elements in serum should be confirmed with a second specimen collected in a trace element-free tube, such as royal blue sterile tube (no additive). Expected Outcome A low ceruloplasmin level usually means that total serum copper is low. However, the free (unbound) copper level is usually increased. Free copper can be calculated by subtracting the amount of copper in ceruloplasmin from total serum copper, or it can be measured directly. |