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Ceruloplasmin blood test
The ceruloplasmin test measures the level of the copper-containing protein ceruloplasmin in the blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Ceruloplasmin is made in the liver. Ceruloplasmin stores and transports copper in the blood to parts of the body that need it.
Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of a copper metabolism or copper storage disorder.
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
Normal Results
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Lower-than-normal ceruloplasmin levels may be due to:
- Long-term liver disease
-
Problem absorbing nutrients from food (
intestinal malabsorption
)
Intestinal malabsorption
Malabsorption involves problems with the body's ability to take in nutrients from food.
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Malnutrition
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
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Disorder in which cells in the body can absorb copper, but are unable to release it (
Menkes syndrome
)
Menkes syndrome
In Menkes syndrome, cells in the body can absorb copper, but they are unable to release it. It is one of several conditions called an "inborn error ...
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Group of disorders that damage the kidneys (
nephrotic syndrome
)
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high tri...
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Inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues (
Wilson disease
)
Wilson disease
Wilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...
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Higher-than-normal ceruloplasmin levels may be due to:
-
Acute
and
chronic
infections
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleChronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
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Lymphoma
Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
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-
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease. It leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....
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Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Kaler SG, Schilsky ML. Wilson disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 211.
Pincus MR, Tierno PM, Fenelus M, Bowne WB, Bluth MH. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 21.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 73.
Review Date: 2/8/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
