The ceruloplasmin blood test measures ceruloplasmin, a protein, in the bloodstream. This test helps healthcare providers assess potential imbalances in the body’s copper levels, providing insights into how the body handles this essential mineral.
Understanding Ceruloplasmin
Ceruloplasmin is a protein primarily produced by the liver. Its main function involves binding to copper and transporting it throughout the body, accounting for about 95% of the copper in the blood. Beyond copper transport, ceruloplasmin plays a role in iron metabolism by converting ferrous iron to ferric iron, which is necessary for iron to bind to transferrin for transport.
This protein also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Ceruloplasmin is considered an acute-phase reactant, meaning its levels can increase in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. Copper, while necessary in small amounts for various bodily processes, can be toxic if accumulated excessively.
Why the Test is Ordered
A healthcare provider may order a ceruloplasmin test if there is suspicion of a copper imbalance. This test is often performed in conjunction with other copper-related tests, such as serum copper levels or 24-hour urine copper measurements. Symptoms that might prompt this testing include unexplained fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice.
The test is frequently used to help diagnose Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot effectively remove excess copper, leading to its accumulation in organs like the liver and brain. Other indicators for testing include neurological symptoms like tremors, difficulty walking, or changes in behavior. For infants, symptoms such as unusually tangled or brittle hair, low muscle tone, or seizures might indicate Menkes disease, another rare genetic condition affecting copper absorption.
How the Test is Performed
The ceruloplasmin test is a straightforward blood draw procedure. A healthcare professional typically takes a blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm or hand, using a small needle. The process generally takes less than five minutes.
No special preparation, such as fasting, is usually required before a ceruloplasmin blood test. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help make the blood draw smoother. After the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Interpreting Ceruloplasmin Levels
Interpreting ceruloplasmin levels requires careful consideration by a healthcare professional, as normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. For adults, typical ceruloplasmin levels generally fall between 20 to 40 mg/dL, though some sources indicate ranges up to 60 mg/dL or higher for women, especially those taking oral contraceptives or who are pregnant.
Abnormally low ceruloplasmin levels, known as hypoceruloplasminemia, often point to conditions where copper transport or metabolism is impaired. A level below 10 mg/dL is a strong indicator for Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder causing copper accumulation. In this condition, copper is not properly incorporated into ceruloplasmin in the liver, leading to its buildup in tissues. Menkes disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting copper absorption, also presents with low ceruloplasmin levels and can lead to copper deficiency. Other causes of low levels can include severe liver disease, malnutrition, or issues with nutrient absorption.
Conversely, elevated ceruloplasmin levels, or hyperceruloplasminemia, can indicate various conditions. High levels can also be observed during pregnancy, with estrogen therapy, or while taking oral contraceptives. Certain cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, and other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease, may also be associated with increased ceruloplasmin. Results must always be interpreted in the context of a person’s overall health, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests.