Copper Mass Concentration in Serum
This test measures the amount of copper present in your blood serum. Copper is an essential mineral that plays a role in various bodily functions, including metabolism and antioxidant defense.
["Understanding your copper levels can help identify potential deficiencies or excesses that may affect your health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30920-3
- Short code
- Copper ?Tm Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Copper ?Tm 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or neurological issues that could be linked to copper metabolism problems. It may also be part of evaluations for conditions like Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder affecting copper handling) or Wilson’s syndrome (a related condition).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your lab requires it. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some may affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. Low copper levels may indicate deficiencies, while very high levels could signal conditions like Wilson’s disease or liver dysfunction. Your provider will discuss findings in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Copper levels are crucial for maintaining healthy nerve function, immune response, and iron metabolism. Abnormalities can lead to neurological symptoms, anemia, or other systemic issues. This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting copper absorption, storage, or excretion.
Short name
Serum Copper Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can food or medications affect this test?
What if my results are outside the normal 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy