Lab Testing

Product Description

Please note, this test is performed by LabCorp and will not require a physical test kit to complete your draw. DHA Laboratory will send you a list of local LabCorp Patient Service Centers, patient prep instructions and a requisition form via email. Please print the requisition form and bring that in with you to LabCorp to complete your draw. If you have any questions about the tests, the testing process, or need help with your lab order at any time, please feel free to contact DHA Laboratory at T: (847) 222-9546 / E: info@dhalab.com

**Note: All laboratory testing requires an authorizing physician. DHA Laboratory offers a patient direct program that partners you with an authorizing physician. If you have any additional questions regarding the availability of testing, please contact our laboratory by telephone or email.**

Sample Type: Serum

Turnaround Time: Approximately 1 Week

Performing Laboratory: LabCorp

Ceruloplasmin is used in the evaluation of oxidative stress. When paired with copper, it is used to calculate free copper. When paired with other blood or urine copper tests, ceruloplasmin is used to help diagnose Wilson’s disease. This is due to a decreased ability to incorporate copper into apoceruloplasmin. In turn, free copper levels in plasma and tissue are greatly increased, especially in the liver and brain.

An estimated 95% of copper in the blood is bound to ceruloplasmin.  As a result, only a very small amount of copper is found in the blood in an unbound or free state.

Ordered due to:

• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Difficulty walking or swallowing
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Calculation of free copper

Ceruloplasmin levels are not diagnostic, therefore they are commonly ordered and evaluated with copper tests. Often elevated when an individual has a severe infection, tissue damage, inflammation, or certain forms of cancer.

Other causes for an elevated result are:

• Pregnancy
• Use of estrogen
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Medications such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and valproic acid

High levels are linked to a variety of neoplastic and inflammatory states.  Increases are found with carcinomas, leukemias, Hodgkin’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Low levels are found with protein loss including nephrotic syndromes, malabsorption, and certain forms of liver disease.