Serum Ceruloplasmin
This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin, a protein in your blood that helps remove excess copper and acts as an antioxidant.
["Ceruloplasmin helps identify copper metabolism disorders, including Wilson’s disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2064-4
- Short code
- CERU
- Synonyms
- Ceruloplasmin SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 60
- Critical range
- 10 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82390
- SNOMED
- 56968009
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a ceruloplasmin test to check for conditions like Wilson’s disease, where copper builds up in the body. It can also help monitor treatment progress or diagnose copper-related disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or certain liver diseases. Sometimes, it’s used alongside other tests to assess overall copper balance in your bloodstream.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your provider know. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing, as it may affect copper levels.
What the Results Mean
Ceruloplasmin levels can vary based on health, diet, and medications. While reference ranges differ by lab, low levels may suggest copper deficiency or disorders like Wilson’s disease, while very high levels could indicate liver disease or other metabolic conditions. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to Ceruloplasmin
Elevated ceruloplasmin is sometimes seen in chronic liver disease, inflammatory conditions, or pregnancy. Low levels may be linked to copper deficiency, malabsorption, or genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease. Always discuss results with your doctor to understand potential causes and next steps.
Reference range
Adults: 20-60 mg/dL (200-600 mg/L). Newborns: 5-18 mg/dL (lower levels normal). Levels gradually increase with age, reaching adult levels by approximately 6 months of age.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that ceruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant and levels can be elevated in conditions of inflammation, infection, pregnancy, and with estrogen or oral contraceptive use. Avoid recent strenuous exercise prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Ceruloplasmin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my ceruloplasmin test results?
Can diet affect ceruloplasmin levels?
Is ceruloplasmin tested alone or as part of a larger panel?
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