Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory
Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease
Measurement of Copper Absorption
This is the protocol of a test used to measure copper absorption in Wilson's disease or cases of abnormal copper metabolism.
65Cu Oral Uptake Test Protocol
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Time |
Action |
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|
-12 h |
Patient fasts |
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|
- 5 min |
Blood sample taken for total Cu and caeruloplasmin |
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|
0 h |
3 mg 65Cu given orally in a soft drink or water. An anti-emetic may be given. |
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1h* |
Blood sample taken for 65Cu/63Cu measurement |
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2 h* |
Blood sample taken for 65Cu/63Cu measurement. Fasting can be broken at this stage. |
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|
6 h* |
Blood sample taken for 65Cu/63Cu measurement |
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|
72 h |
Blood sample taken for 65Cu/63Cu measurement |
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(Every week or |
Blood sample taken if the biological half-life of Cu is to be determined |
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*Accurate to within a few minutes
Blood samples (7 ml) should be taken in plain Vacutainers (dark blue top)
Reference Ranges for 65Cu/63Cu isotopic enrichment
|
Category |
(72/2) hr ratio |
(72/6) hr ratio |
|
Wilson's Disease |
< 0.2 |
< 0.03 |
|
Normal Controls |
> 0.34 |
> 1.4 |
Reference
Lyon et al. , Clin. Sci. (1995) 88, 727 - 732
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