Copper, Serum (CUBLD)  

 
NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Copper, Serum (CUBLD)  
Method: ICP-MS  
Availability:
  • Thursday
  • If received by 9:00 AM, reported within 24 hours
 
Specimen: Serum  
Collection Device: Royal Blue Tube (no additive) Draw blood using metal free materials, syringe, test tube and stopper
  • Allow blood to clot for 30-40 minutes, but not longer than 60 minutes
  • Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 2400 rpm
  • Pour the serum into polyethelene tubes or metal free tubes
Alternative: 
  • Red top (acceptable due to nationwide shortage)
  • Centrifuge and separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection
  • Transfer 2 ML serum or plasma to a metal free aliquot tube (RPS clients: TUBE107 on supply portal)
 
Volume: Optimum: 0.5 mL Minimum: 0.2 mL  
Unacceptable: Patients that have recently had a procedure that involved barium intake  
Specimen Stability: Ambient, Refrigerated, Frozen up to 28 days from collection  
Reference Interval: 80-155 µg/dL   
Revised: 6/25/2025 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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