Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Why get tested?

Caeruloplasmin testing is used to measure the amount of caeruloplasmin in the blood, primarily to help diagnose Wilson disease a rare inherited disorder associated with excess storage of copper in the liver, brain and other organs, manifesting in decreased levels of caeruloplasmin. It is usually used along with one or more copper tests. Sometimes it can be used to help identify other conditions associated with copper deficiencies. Testing is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

When to get tested?

Caeruloplasmin testing can be used with one or more copper tests to help diagnose Wilson disease and evaluate copper metabolism. For example when you have jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, behavioural changes, tremors or other symptoms that may be due to Wilson disease. Copper deficiency is rare but caeruloplasmin testing is part of the investigations required to assess this.

Sample required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of caeruloplasmin in the blood. Caeruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body's iron metabolism. Copper is an essential mineral that is absorbed into the body through diet. It is absorbed in the intestines and then transported to the liver where it is stored or used in the production of a variety of enzymes. The liver binds copper to apocaeruloplasmin to produce caeruloplasmin and then releases it into the bloodstream. About 95 per cent of the copper in the blood is bound to caeruloplasmin.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.

The Test

How is it used?

Caeruloplasmin is primarily ordered along with blood and/or urine copper tests to help diagnose Wilson disease, an inherited disorder associated with decreased levels of caeruloplasmin and excess storage of copper in the liver, brain, and other organs. Rarely, it may be ordered to help diagnose or differentiate between conditions associated with copper deficiencies.

When is it requested?

It is ordered along with copper tests when someone has signs and symptoms that may be due to Wilson's disease such as:

  • anaemia
  • nausea, abdominal pain
  • jaundice
  • fatigue
  • behavioural changes
  • tremors
  • difficulty walking and/or swallowing
  • dystonia

Rarely, caeruloplasmin is ordered along with copper tests when a copper deficiency is suspected and when monitoring is required.

What does the test result mean?

Caeruloplasmin levels alone are not diagnostic of a specific condition and are usually evaluated along with copper levels.

Test results may include:

  • Decreased levels of caeruloplasmin and blood copper concentrations together with increased urine copper levels suggest Wilson disease.
  • About 5 per cent of people with Wilson disease who have neurological symptoms will have normal caeruloplasmin levels as will up to 40 per cent of those with hepatic symptoms, especially if they have recently become ill.
  • Low caeruloplasmin and urine and/or blood copper concentrations suggest copper deficiency.
  • Anything that interferes with the supply of copper or with the body's ability to metabolise copper has the potential to affect blood caeruloplasmin and copper concentrations.
About Reference Intervals

Is there anything else I should know?

Caeruloplasmin may be increased in a variety of circumstances where the test is not used as a clinical tool. These may include:

  • Caeruloplasmin is an acute phase reactant. It is frequently elevated when someone has inflammation, severe infection or tissue damage and it may be increased with some cancers.
  • It may be increased during pregnancy and with the use of oestrogen and oral contraceptive pills.

Common Questions

Should everyone have a caeruloplasmin test?

Caeruloplasmin is not a routine test. Unless your doctor suspects that you have Wilson disease or a problems with your copper metabolism, it is unlikely that you will ever have this test performed.

Can I have the caeruloplasmin test done in my doctor's office?

No. It is a specialised test that is not offered in every laboratory. Your blood sample may need to be sent to a reference laboratory.

Do I need to have a liver biopsy?

If Wilson disease is strongly suspected based upon blood, urine and imaging test results, a liver biopsy may be performed to evaluate hepatic (liver) copper content and the extent of liver damage.

Last Review Date: September 17, 2022


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