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Copper Test
General DescriptionThe clinical significance of copper is plainly stated by Andrew Hall Cutler, Ph.D., in his book, Hair Test Interpretation. He explains that copper causes the growth of new blood vessels, is good for healing, getting over heart attacks and strokes, and growth. It is also the leading cause of blindness and kidney damage in diabetics and allows growth of cancer tumors. Of the essential elements, copper is the one closest to toxic levels when present in normal physiological amounts. Any mild abnormality or impairment of liver function can lead to copper excretion building up to toxic levels since the physiologic and toxic ranges are so close together. Even modest variations in intake and retention can cause copper to build up to toxic levels in some sensitive individuals. Most copper is in the liver and the brain and these organs can become damaged and function improperly due to copper toxicity. The behavioral effects of copper poisoning are almost indistinguishable from those of mercury. The derangement of mineral transport that is caused by mercury usually favors the accumulation of copper. Low copper can cause anemia, poor immune function, poor growth, reduced skin and hair pigmentation, and poor formation of the catecholamine neurotransmitters which are needed to pay attention, get excited, enjoy yourself, and be energetic (116, 117). Analyte ListCopper Turn Around TimeThe turn around time for this test is 2-3 weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. Specimen Requirements1 mL of serum drawn into a royal blue-topped no additive tube is the absolute minimum. 2 mL of serum is preferred. The serum must be removed from the specimen within 4 hours of collection. CPT Code82525 Kit InstructionsFor blood instructions please click here. |
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