Serum Ceruloplasmin Concentration
This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin, a protein in your blood that helps remove excess copper and plays a role in iron metabolism.
["Ceruloplasmin helps identify copper metabolism disorders, such as Wilson’s disease or hereditary copper storage disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47600-2
- Short code
- CERU
- Synonyms
- Ceruloplasmin SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant for serum; lithium heparin or EDTA plasma tube acceptable for plasma specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.26
- Ref high
- 3.78
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82390
- SNOMED
- 6091006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL of serum or plasma; minimum 0.5 mL required for analysis
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or lower): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, liver problems, or signs of copper buildup. It’s also used to monitor copper metabolism in people with known genetic disorders affecting copper handling or those taking certain medications that affect copper levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your lab requires it. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What the Test Results Mean
Results help diagnose or monitor conditions linked to copper imbalance, such as Wilson’s disease or other copper storage disorders. Abnormal levels may require further testing or treatment adjustments.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
Low ceruloplasmin levels may suggest conditions like Wilson’s disease, where copper isn’t properly removed from the body, or other genetic disorders affecting copper metabolism.
Reference range
Adults: 0.20-0.60 g/L (20-60 mg/dL); values may vary by laboratory and analytical method. Pediatric reference ranges differ and are method-dependent.N/A
No fasting required. Avoid hemolyzed specimens as hemolysis may falsely elevate results due to release of ceruloplasmin-bound copper from erythrocytes. Patients should avoid recent oral contraceptive use or estrogen therapy documentation, as these may increase ceruloplasmin levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Ceruloplasmin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes ceruloplasmin levels to change?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect ceruloplasmin test 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy