Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

24-hour urine copper test

Quantitative urinary copper

 

The 24-hour urine copper test measures the amount of copper in a urine sample.

How the Test is Performed

 

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

  • On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
  • Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
  • On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
  • Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.

Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area where urine exits the body.

  • Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end).
  • For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin.
  • For females, place the bag over the labia.
  • Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take more than one try. An active infant can move the bag, so that the urine leaks into o the diaper.

Check the infant often and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it.

Drain the urine from the bag into the container given to you by your health care provider.

Return the bag or container as instructed.

A laboratory specialist will determine how much copper is in the sample.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

No special preparation is necessary for this test. Extra collection bags may be needed if the sample is being taken from an infant.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Your provider may order this test if you have signs of Wilson's disease , a genetic disorder that affects how the body processes copper.

 

Normal Results

 

The normal range is 10 to 30 micrograms per 24 hours.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An abnormal result means you have a higher than normal level of copper. This may be due to:

  • Biliary cirrhosis
  • Chronic active hepatitis
  • Wilson's disease

 

Risks

 

There are no risks associated with providing a urine sample.

 

 

References

McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 28.

 
  • Copper urine test - illustration

    The copper urine test is performed by collecting urine at specific times for a 24-hour period. The urine is tested for the amount of copper present. The copper urine test is used to determine the presence of Wilson disease, a sometimes fatal condition in which the buildup of excess copper damages the liver, and eventually the kidneys, eyes and brain.

    Copper urine test

    illustration

    • Copper urine test - illustration

      The copper urine test is performed by collecting urine at specific times for a 24-hour period. The urine is tested for the amount of copper present. The copper urine test is used to determine the presence of Wilson disease, a sometimes fatal condition in which the buildup of excess copper damages the liver, and eventually the kidneys, eyes and brain.

      Copper urine test

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for 24-hour urine copper test

           

           

          Review Date: 2/5/2015

          Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.