Eurofins Biomnis code

CUEC

Synonyms

• Copper - exchangeable/free
• Cuivre libre
• exchangeable copper / serum copper ratio.
• Ratio cuivre échangeable / total
• REC relative exchangeable copper

Specialty

Analytical Chemistry

Clinical significance

Exchangeable copper corresponds to the fraction of copper known as ¿free¿, as it is not bound to ceruleoplasmin. This assay is used in the diagnosis of Wilson's disease, since the severity of the disease depends on the toxic free copper that accumulates in the liver and brain.This analysis includes both the determination of exchangeable copper AND total copper, to enable calculation of the exchangeable copper/total serum copper ratio. 2 samples are therefore required.

Preanalytics

• 2 x 5 mL :
• Serum
•   FROZEN
• Freezing within 4 hours

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

2 tubes of serum for exchangeable copper + total - Do not tube with gel

Methodology

ICP/MS

Turnaround time

3 weeks

Caption