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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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COPPER, RBC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1288    Geisinger Epic ID:  53077

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Red blood cells


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tube
4 mL green/green-top (sodium heparin) tube
Specimen required: 

0.5 mL red blood cells; minimum 0.3 mL


Special notes: 

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid hemolysis.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge to separate plasma from RBCs and discard plasma. Transfer RBCs to a plastic transfer vial from a Quest Diagnostics (trace element and metal free) collection kit or transfer to a plastic screw cap vial.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 10 days. Refrigerated: 10 days. Frozen: Unacceptable.


Rejection criteria: 

Clotted • Gross hemolysis



TEST DETAILS
Additional information: 

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.


CPT code(s):  82525
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 3481, Copper, RBC


Clinical significance: 

Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is disturbed in Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions. Copper concentrations are decreased with nephrosis, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Copper concentrations are also useful to monitor patients, especially preterm newborns, on nutritional supplementation. Results of copper are often interpreted together with ceruloplasmin.


Review Date:  12/11/2024

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