Serum Ceruloplasmin (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the level of ceruloplasmin, a protein in your blood that helps remove excess copper from your body.
["Ceruloplasmin helps identify copper metabolism disorders, such as Wilson’s disease or hereditary copper storage disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40455-8
- Short code
- CERU
- Synonyms
- Ceruloplasmin Act/Nor SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 15
- Ref high
- 45
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82390
- SNOMED
- 57617000
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or liver issues, or if you have a family history of copper-related disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting copper balance.
What Does the Test Measure?
Ceruloplasmin is a copper-binding protein produced mainly by the liver. Low levels can suggest copper storage disorders, while high levels may indicate inflammation or other conditions affecting copper metabolism.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part) for testing. This test does not require fasting unless specified by your provider.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses that could affect results.
Reference range
Adult male: 15-30 mg/dL; Adult female: 16-45 mg/dL. Ceruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant and reference ranges may vary by laboratory and analytical method.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should be informed that ceruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant and levels may be elevated during infection, inflammation, pregnancy, or malignancy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Ceruloplasmin
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can diet affect ceruloplasmin levels?
What if my ceruloplasmin level is outside the expected range?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy