Collection Method
CI05.16.01
Kit Requirements
SST & K2-EDTA (gold &navy blue top)
Turn Around Time
5-7 business days Turnaround times are estimates
Description
The Copper, Ceruloplasmin & Zinc profiles provides useful information and is an excellent way to determine immune status and the nutritional intake and/or absorption of zinc and copper.
Zinc is an essential marker for the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is required for the activity of over 300 enzymes and is involved in most major metabolic pathways. Either a deficiency or excess in this marker can affect the human body significantly causing a wide variety of symptoms.
The immune system depends on zinc in almost every aspect. Zinc has an inverse relationship with copper in the body. This means that as zinc goes down, copper goes up and the same principle applies vice versa.
Adequate copper levels are essential for the growth of new blood vessels, wound healing, and recovering from heart attacks and strokes. When levels are only slightly above normal physiological amounts, copper can be toxic. Any mild abnormality or impairment of liver function can lead to copper excess.
Ceruloplasmin is an important marker often ordered in conjunction with copper. Caeruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body’s iron metabolism. The liver binds copper to apocaeruloplasmin to produce caeruloplasmin and then releases it into the bloodstream. About 95 per cent of the copper in the blood is bound to caeruloplasmin.
References:
Scheiber I, Dringen R, Mercer JF. Copper: effects of deficiency and overload. Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:359-387. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_11
Balsano C, Porcu C, Sideri S. Is copper a new target to counteract the progression of chronic diseases?. Metallomics. 2018;10(12):1712-1722. doi:10.1039/c8mt00219c
Analytes
- % free Copper
- Ceruloplasmin
- Copper
- Cu/Zn ratio
- Zinc
Test Method
Automated chemistry (Roche Diagnostics)
Common Conditions
Gastrointestinal and Digestive Health- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Nutritional and Dietary Symptoms- Chronic Fatigue
Mental and Emotional Health- Depression
Other Health Conditions- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Immune deficiencies
- Pyroluria
Notice To Patients
NutriPATH practices in the usual practitioner-referral system for pathology laboratories. Patients are highly recommended to seek the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner for the interpretation of any lab results and associated information. NutriPATH can offer assistance in locating a suitable practitioner.
How it works
Step 1
Order test
Your referring practitioner will place this order via their online portal.
Step 2
Collect Samples
A test kit will be dispatched to you and you can conveniently collect your sample in the comfort of your home.
Step 3
Return Samples
Return samples for analysis via the provided courier packaging.
Patient resources
Our highly skilled and qualified team have created a service where patients can easily gain access to a wide range of pathology testing options.
Practitioner resources
As a leader in the industry, practitioners are able to trust in our ability to provide them with the technology they need to adequately test their clients and patients.
