Ceruloplasmin

Diagnostic Use

Ceruloplasmin is both an acute phase protein and a copper transport protein.
Ceruloplasmin levels may be elevated by infection, inflammation or oestrogen effects.
Ceruloplasmin levels may be reduced in Wilson's disease, or in rare acquired copper deficiencies (excessive zinc intake, persistent infantile diarrhoea, severe malabsorption or kwashiorkor).
Copper is incorporated into the ceruloplasmin structure by metallothionein during synthesis in the liver. The absence of metallothionein (Wilson's Disease) can result in the decrease of serum ceruloplasmin levels, leading to the accumulation of copper in the liver, kidneys, skin, brain (with associated neurological symptoms) and also the cornea of the eye (Kayser-Fleischer Ring).

Department

Protein Lab

Delphic Registration Code

CER

Synonyms

Caeruloplasmin
Copper Binding Protein

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

3217

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.25

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.25

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.25

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Reference Intervals

Sex/Age	Reference Interval
Males (all ages)	0.17 – 0.40 g/L
Females 0-18 & 50 + yrs	0.17 – 0.40 g/L
Females 18 – < 50 yrs	0.17 – 0.50 g/L

Increases in ceruloplasmin may be seen in inflammation, infection, or in association with high oestrogen states such as pregnancy or oral contraceptive use.

Test Method

Immunoassay on Siemens BNII nephelometer.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$43.8 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3217

Contact Information

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