24-Hour Urinary Ceruloplasmin
This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin, a copper-binding protein found in urine, over a 24-hour period. It helps assess copper metabolism and detect conditions like Wilson’s disease.
["Ceruloplasmin helps identify copper-related disorders by tracking urinary copper excretion over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102090-8
- Short code
- UCP24
- Synonyms
- Ceruloplasmin 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with preservative (typically thymol or no preservative if refrigerated)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 18
- Ref high
- 60
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82390
- SNOMED
- 103332007
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL aliquot from well-mixed 24-hour collection; total volume should be recorded
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of copper-related disorders, such as liver problems, neurological issues, or unexplained fatigue. It’s also used to monitor copper levels in people with known genetic conditions affecting copper metabolism.
You’ll collect all your urine over a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you urinate at midnight on one day. The collected urine is then sent to the lab for analysis.
No special preparation is usually needed, but you should avoid certain medications or foods that might interfere with results, like copper supplements or high-copper foods.
Higher-than-expected levels might indicate copper overload, while lower levels could suggest copper deficiency or metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder causing copper buildup in the body, or other copper metabolism disorders.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
Wilson’s disease, copper overload syndromes, hereditary hemochromatosis (though less commonly), or unexplained copper-related liver or neurological symptoms.
Reference range
18-60 mg/24h (values may vary by laboratory and analytical method)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain usual diet and hydration. Avoid excessive exercise during collection period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Ceruloplasmin in urine reflects how well your body is processing copper. Abnormal levels may signal metabolic imbalances that require medical attention, such as liver dysfunction or genetic disorders.
Short name
24h Urine Ceruloplasmin
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a 24-hour urine test instead of a single blood test?
What foods or medications could affect my results?
How long will I have to wait for my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy