Caeruloplasmin

Description: 
The measurement of caeruloplasmin (in conjunction with serum copper) aids in the diagnosis of Wilson's disease.

Clinical details: 
Caeruloplasmin is a copper containing alpha-2 globulin of 132 kDa synthesized in hepatocytes, monocytes, glial cells, and some tumours. Serum caeruloplasmin is derived overwhelmingly from the liver. It is an acute phase reactant and concentrations are increased 2-3 fold. Decreased concentrations are observed when hepatic synthetic ability is depressed as in chronic liver disease, when there is increased protein loss or catabolism or when there is copper deficiency. It is very important in the investigation of Wilson’s disease where very low concentrations are observed. Wilson’s disease occurs due to a range of mutations in the copper transporting ATP7B gene.
Related condition or disease: 
Wilson's disease, copper deficiency.
Reference range: 

See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Caeruloplasmin is an acute-phase reactant and results within the reference range may be seen in Wilson's disease patients with inflammation. Caeruloplasmin concentrations are also raised in pregnancy and oestrogen therapy.

Units: 
g/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum preferred though lithium heparin plasma is also acceptable. Grossly haemolysed/lipaemic/icteric samples are not suitable.
Minimum sample volume 250 uL.
Turnaround time: 
1 day
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Cell-free serum/plasma is stable for 8 days at 20-25 °C, 2 weeks at 4-8 °C and 1 year at -20 °C. Repeated freezing and thawing of samples should be avoided (freeze only once).
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 h: 07738897061
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Print as a PDF

Last updated: 29/12/2023