Copper Test
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General Description
The 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, aids in healing and growth, and helps the body recover from heart attacks and strokes. However, abnormal levels can cause negative effects such as blindness and kidney damage in diabetics and 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 because the physiologic and toxic ranges are so close together. 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 similar to those of mercury poisoning. 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 (116, 117).
Analyte List
Copper
Specimen Requirements
2 mL of serum drawn into a royal blue-topped no additive tube. The serum must be removed from the specimen within 4 hours of collection.
CPT Code
82525
Kit Instructions
For blood instructions please click here.
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