Home
HelpEpic Code LAB380 Copper, 24 Hour, Urine
Additional Codes
Mayo Code: CUU
Epic Code: LAB 380
Interface Order Alias: 10640
Cerner: 4283
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Investigation of Wilson disease and obstructive liver disease using a 24-hour urine specimen
Specimen Type
UrineRefrigeration during and after urine collection is the preferred means of urine preservation.
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.
Special Instructions
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Reference Values
0-17 years: Not established
≥18 years: 9-71 mcg/24 hours
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.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statementsInterpretation
Humans normally excrete less than 60 mcg/day of copper in the urine.
Urinary copper excretion greater than 60 mcg/day may be seen in:
-Wilson disease
-Obstructive biliary disease (eg, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis)
-Nephrotic syndrome (due to leakage through the kidney)
-Chelation therapy
-Estrogen therapy
-Mega dosing of zinc-containing vitamins
Because ceruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant, urine copper is elevated during acute inflammation. During the recovery phase, urine copper is usually below normal, reflecting the expected physiologic response to replace the copper that was depleted during inflammation.
Reporting Name
Copper, 24 Hr, UMethod Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Method Description
The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
CPT Code Information
82525
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CUU | Copper, 24 Hr, U | 5633-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8590 | Copper, 24 Hr, U | 5633-3 |
| TM7 | Collection Duration | 13362-9 |
| VL4 | Urine Volume | 3167-4 |
Report Available
2 to 5 daysTest 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.Clinical Reference
1. Zorbas YG, Kakuris KK, Deogenov VA, et al. Copper homeostasis during hypokinesia in healthy subjects with higher and lower copper consumption. Tr Elem Electro. 2008;25:169-178
2. Lech T, Sadlik JK. Contribution to the data on copper concentration in blood and urine in patients with Wilson's disease and in normal subjects. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2007;118(1):16-20
3. Rifai N, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.