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HelpTest ID CUU Copper, 24 Hour, Urine
Necessary Information
24-Hour volume (in milliliters) is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: High concentrations of barium are known to interfere with this test. If barium-containing contrast media has been administered, the specimen should not be collected for at least 96 hours.
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container with no metal cap or glued insert
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic urine tube or clean, plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Specimen Volume: 10 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect urine for 24 hours.
2. Refrigerate specimen within 4 hours of completion of 24-hour collection.
3. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.
Useful For
Investigation of Wilson disease and obstructive liver disease using a 24-hour urine specimen
Special Instructions
Method Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Reporting Name
Copper, 24 Hr, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
| Ambient | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days |
Clinical Information
The biliary system is the major pathway of copper excretion. Biliary excretion of copper requires an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent transporter protein. Variants in the gene for the transporter protein cause hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease). Ceruloplasmin, the primary copper-carrying protein in the blood, is also reduced in Wilson disease. Urine copper excretion is increased in Wilson disease due to a decreased serum binding of copper to ceruloplasmin or due to allelic variances in cellular metal ion transporters.
Hypercupricuria (increased urinary copper) is also found in hemochromatosis, biliary cirrhosis, thyrotoxicosis, various infections, and a variety of other acute, chronic, and malignant diseases (including leukemia). Urine copper concentrations are also elevated during pregnancy and in patients taking contraceptives or estrogens.
Low urine copper levels are seen in malnutrition, hypoproteinemias, malabsorption, and nephrotic syndrome. Increased zinc consumption interferes with normal copper absorption from the gastrointestinal tract causing hypocupremia.
Reference Values
0-17 years: Not established
≥18 years: 9-71 mcg/24 hours
Cautions
No significant cautionary statementsDay(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82525