Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Caeruloplasmin
Caeruloplasmin
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin
| Test | Caeruloplasmin |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | CAE |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin |
| Clinical Indication | Caeruloplasmin is the primary copper containing protein in plasma. The main clinical indication for measuring caeruloplasmin is the diagnosis of Wilson's disease in which caeruloplasmin levels are low. Low serum levels are also found in malnutrition, malabsorption, nephrosis and severe liver disease, particularly biliary cirrhosis. Increases in caeruloplasmin levels may be seen during acute inflammation due to surgery, myocardial infarction, infection and tumours. Increased caeruloplasmin levels are particularly notable in diseases of the reticuloendothelial system such as Hodgkins disease as well as during pregnancy. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 8 days at 20-25°C and 2 weeks at 2-8°C |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 7 days Outpatient/ GP: 7 days |
| Laboratory | Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | 0.2 - 0.6g/L (Quoted by Protein Reference Unit) |
| Limitations | Samples from patients with abnormal lipoprotein metabolism such as those seen in cholecystitis or obstructive liver disease may give artificially negative ceruloplasmin results. Samples with extremely abnormal optical characteristics, especially turbidity may produce atypical results. Samples with caeruloplasmin concentrations (>3 g/L) may generate false low results. |
| Notes |
