Description
Benefits:
– Assessment of zinc and copper sufficiency
– Calculation of non-ceruloplasmin or free copper (potential oxidizing metal)
– Determination of crucial copper/zinc ratio
Recommendations:
– Zinc supplementation
– Molybdenum salts
– Penicillamine
– Chelation of toxic metals if indicated by metals testing
Chronic zinc supplementation as low as 18.5 mg per day for two weeks has induced copper deficiency in adults. A parent who gave 50 mg of zinc a day to their child reported that their child’s hair was beginning to turn gray. Children with autism have been supplemented with much higher doses (sometimes 100 mg per day or more). On the other hand, very high doses of zinc have been administered for more than a year to strengthen the immune system.
Turn Around Time:
The turn around time for this test is 2-3 weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Analyte List:
Ceruloplasmin, Ceruloplasmin Copper, Copper Serum, Copper/Zinc Ratio, Nonceruloplasmin Copper, Zinc Serum
Specimen Requirements:
2 mL of serum drawn into a royal blue-topped no additive tube is the absolute minimum. 3 mL of serum is preferred. The serum must be removed from the specimen within 4 hours of collection.