Serum Copper Concentration (Mass)
This test measures the amount of copper in your blood serum, which helps assess copper metabolism and identify potential deficiencies or excesses.
["Copper levels can affect health, especially in conditions like Wilson’s disease or copper overload."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99383-2
- Short code
- Copper Wat-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Copper Wat-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- 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, nausea, or skin changes, or if you have a history of conditions linked to copper imbalance, such as Wilson’s disease or liver issues. It may also be part of routine screening for certain genetic disorders or metabolic conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your test involves a specific timing (e.g., 24-hour urine collection). Avoid consuming copper-rich foods or supplements for 24 hours prior if instructed.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a method that detects copper concentration in your serum.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy adults, but exact values can vary by lab. Low levels may suggest copper deficiency, while high levels could indicate overabsorption or underlying health conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal copper levels can signal underlying health issues. Low copper may lead to weakened immune function or neurological problems, while high copper can cause liver damage or other systemic effects. This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like Wilson’s disease, where copper buildup is dangerous.
Short name
Copper Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes copper levels to be low?
What are common symptoms of copper deficiency?
How is copper overload typically treated?
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