24-Hour Urinary Copper Mass Concentration
This test measures the total amount of copper found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Copper is a trace mineral that plays a role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant protection and iron metabolism.
["Assessing copper excretion can help identify potential copper overload or deficiency conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21219-1
- Short code
- Copper 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Copper 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to copper metabolism, such as Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder causing copper buildup), kidney issues, or unexplained fatigue, nausea, or neurological symptoms. It may also be used to monitor copper levels in people with certain genetic disorders or those receiving treatments affecting copper absorption.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but you may need to collect all urine for 24 hours in a sterile container. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine production. If you’re taking medications or supplements, inform your provider.
How the Test Is Performed
You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period, starting and ending at the same time (e.g., midnight to midnight). The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to determine the total copper concentration in your urine.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as the mass concentration of copper in your urine, typically measured in micrograms per day (µg/day). While reference ranges vary by lab, elevated levels may suggest conditions like Wilson’s disease or certain kidney disorders, while very low levels could indicate malabsorption or other metabolic issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary copper levels may indicate abnormal copper metabolism, such as in Wilson’s disease, where copper accumulates in organs due to a genetic defect. Low levels might suggest malabsorption, liver disease, or other metabolic disorders. Regular monitoring is important for patients with known copper-related conditions.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Copper
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal urinary copper levels?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet affect this test?
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