The Purpose of a 24-Hour Urinary Copper Test
Copper is an important mineral that your body needs for many reasons, from a healthy immune system to proper brain development. High copper levels in your system, however, could indicate a potential health issue, such as chronic active hepatitis or the genetic condition Wilson’s disease, in which the body can’t correctly metabolize copper. The excess copper builds up in the body’s tissues, which can damage the nervous system, liver, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. Additionally, chronic overexposure to copper fumes and dust through metallurgy, soldering, copper plating, and similar jobs can lead to poisoning. Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and skin irritation; left untreated, copper toxicity can damage the liver and kidneys, which could lead to life-threatening complications.
What Does the Urine Copper Test Measure?
This test measures how much copper you excrete in a 24-hour urine collection. You begin by urinating normally at 8 a.m., then collecting all your urine in a sterile container throughout the day, concluding with a final sample at 8 a.m. the following day. Your urine is then submitted to a lab for testing.
Who Should Take a 24-Hour Urine Collection Test?
A urine copper test may be advised if you need to be diagnosed or monitored for Wilson’s disease. It may also be included in a comprehensive test workup to differentiate between Wilson’s disease and chronic active hepatitis.
24-Hour Urine Copper Test Preparation
You do not have to fast before a 24-hour urine collection test. You will need to choose a facility near you for testing, so you can pick up the container for your urine collection beforehand. Use our locator tool to find a convenient lab. This will be the same lab where you drop off your sample for testing.
24-Hour Urine Copper Test Results
The copper level in your urine after a 24-hour collection period should range between 10 to 30 micrograms. You may need more testing if your results are high, or you may require immediate treatment if you think copper toxicity could be a factor. Personalabs offers telehealth visits with our board-certified doctors if you need further medical guidance regarding your results.
Where Can I Get a 24-Hour Urinary Copper Test Near Me?
If you need to check your urine for copper with a 24-hour test, we have the solutions for you. Personalabs has a wide selection of heavy metal tests, which you can purchase with our streamlined ordering process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Shop Personalabs online for the test you want. Before purchasing the test, verify that you live in a state that doesn’t require your doctor’s pre-approval. Download the lab order that comes with the test.
Step 2: Find the location near you for a urine test. Our partnerships with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics give you access to more than 4,000 locations throughout the country.
Step 3: Complete the testing process, following the lab’s instructions.
Step 4: Review your results in your Personalabs account. They usually arrive within 2 to 10 business days after you submit your sample for testing. (Contact us if you need help getting your results by a specific date.)
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