Copper, Serum LabCorp
This test measures copper blood serum levels to detect a potential deficiency or copper toxicity.
What is this test?
The Copper Serum test measures the levels of copper in the blood to determine a deficiency, or to identify potential copper toxicity as a result of long-term overexposure to copper.
Copper is an essential mineral that the human body requires in small amounts. It is received through diet and supplements since the body cannot create it. Copper helps with the creation of red blood cells as well as helping to maintain the immune system, healthy bones and blood vessels, and more.
Copper deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness, decreased immune system which can show as a low white blood cell count in blood tests, neurological issues, anemia, and abnormal skin paleness.
Copper can also cause toxicity if it is consumed in excess. This can happen through over-supplementation or environmental exposure, such as drinking contaminated water. Symptoms of copper toxicity include headaches, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, and kidney failure in extremely serious cases. If you think you have copper toxicity, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Who is this test for?
The Copper Serum test can help identify a potential nutrient deficiency. It can also help diagnose or eliminate the possibility of Wilson’s Disease, which is a genetic condition that causes copper buildup in the body. This test is also typically ordered to diagnose copper toxicity.