Copper Blood Test
A copper blood test measures the level of copper in your serum. Copper plays vital roles in energy production, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the formation of connective tissue. This test helps determine whether your copper levels are deficient, elevated, or within the normal range, providing important information about nutritional status, liver function, and genetic disorders related to copper metabolism.
Why Test Copper?
Testing copper is important when investigating suspected deficiency due to poor nutrition, digestive disorders, or excessive zinc supplementation, which interferes with copper absorption. It is also used to monitor copper overload in conditions such as Wilson's disease, to evaluate unexplained neurological symptoms, fatigue, or anaemia, and as part of a comprehensive liver function assessment.
What Do High Copper Levels Mean?
Elevated copper may be seen in Wilson's disease, liver disease, or chronic inflammation. Because 90-95% of serum copper is bound to ceruloplasmin (a liver-derived protein), elevated ceruloplasmin from inflammation, pregnancy, or oestrogen use can cause misleading elevations in total copper. Persistently high copper should be further investigated.
What Do Low Copper Levels Mean?
Low copper can result from malnutrition, malabsorption, genetic disorders like Menkes disease, or long-term zinc supplementation. Low ceruloplasmin may also lead to low total copper even when bioavailable copper is adequate. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anaemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and weakened connective tissue.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained anaemia
- Neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling
- Weak connective tissue and joint problems
- Frequent infections
- Bone fragility
- Changes in skin or hair pigmentation
Who Should Get Tested?
- Individuals with suspected copper deficiency from poor diet or malabsorption
- People taking long-term zinc supplements
- Patients with Wilson's disease or a family history of copper metabolism disorders
- Those with unexplained neurological symptoms, fatigue, or anaemia
- People undergoing treatment with copper-modifying therapies
- Anyone needing a comprehensive liver function evaluation
How to Prepare for Your Test
No special preparation is required for this test. Bring valid ID to your appointment.
Order Your Blood Test
Test your Copper levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should copper be interpreted alongside ceruloplasmin?
Can zinc supplements lower copper levels?
What is Wilson's disease?
Reviewed by
Wellth Team
Wellth
Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.
Learn more about our team →Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.