Ceruloplasmin Test: Normal Range, Purpose, Procedure, Risks And Results

Ceruloplasmin is a protein made in the liver; it binds to copper and carries it throughout the body. Copper plays a vital role in the body as it prepares ingested iron for transportation from the intestines to other storage sites. Copper is needed for maintaining energy as well as bone health. It is also necessary for the creation of melanin in the body. A ceruloplasmin serum test is used to check the level of ceruloplasmin in the blood. Abnormal results can indicate a genetic condition called Wilson disease, copper deficiency and a few other medical conditions.

What is The Purpose of a Ceruloplasmin Serum Test?

Healthcare providers will prescribe a ceruloplasmin serum test if they have cause to believe that you may have the symptoms of Wilson’s disease. 

Wilson's disease is a rare hereditary disorder that develops when your body has an excessive amount of copper, particularly in the liver and brain. In this case, you will have higher levels of copper in your urine and lower levels of the same in your blood. 

Due to malabsorption, the body cannot absorb ingested copper properly. This test is also used in the diagnosis of copper deficiency that the following situations can cause:

• Malnutrition, in which case there is a lack of nutrients in your diet
• Menkes disease is a rare genetic disorder that hampers the absorption of copper
• If you receive parenteral nutrition, i.e., when food and nutrients are supplied intravenously.
• If you have higher levels of dietary zinc in your diet, as zinc competes with copper for absorption in the intestines.

Who Needs a Ceruloplasmin Serum Test?

Your doctor may advise a ceruloplasmin serum test if you have a family history of Wilson’s disease. It should also be done if you have any symptoms of Wilson’s disease like

• Pain in the abdomen
• Difficulty walking
• Problems with swallowing
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Anaemia
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Lack of coordination
• Stiff muscles
• Low white blood cells or platelet count
• Slow blood clotting

It can also be prescribed in cases where the healthcare professional suspects that you may be displaying the symptoms of copper deficiency, such as

• Osteoporosis
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
• A washed-out pale complexion
• Fatigue

You may be asked to carry out a ceruloplasmin serum test for a young child or baby if they display symptoms of Menkes disease. In most cases, the baby should showcase symptoms of this disease within the first month of their lives. Catching the signs early can help reduce the risk of severe developmental delays and improve the treatment outcome.

Some of the most common symptoms of Menkes disease in babies are:

• Tangled or brittle hair
• Failure to develop muscle tone
• Seizures
• Lack of growth
• Difficulty feeding

How is a Ceruloplasmin Serum Test Carried Out?

A lab technician or phlebotomist will first clean the site to draw blood before inserting a small needle into a vein on your arm. The blood will be drawn and collected in a vial. The site will then be covered with a small piece of cotton or a small bandage.

If the test is for a baby, the healthcare provider will draw the blood from a vein in either the hand or arm. Most of the time, drawing blood for this test is painless; however, those who fear needles can benefit from looking away when the professional is drawing blood.

The blood sample is then sent to a lab where an expert analyses the liquid part of the blood called the serum. Serum from the blood is separated using a centrifuge that spins the sample at high speeds until the solid red blood cells and cell debris settles down to the bottom.

How to Prepare for a Ceruloplasmin Serum Test?

No special preparations are required for this test, although your healthcare provider might ask you to drink plenty of water before the extraction of blood to keep the veins from tightening and help draw out the blood smoothly.

Interpretation of Ceruloplasmin Serum Test Results

The results of this test can vary based on the health history, gender, age and other aspects of the individual. It can also differ depending on the lab you are undergoing the test.

Normal ceruloplasmin levels for adults lie between 20 to 35 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. Ceruloplasmin levels below 10mg/dL are primarily considered an indicator of Wilson’s disease. However, it can also indicate that you may have Menkes disease, which makes absorption of copper in your body difficult. Low ceruloplasmin can also be the precursor of:

• Kidney problems or nephrotic syndromes
• Advanced stages of liver disease
• Issues with the absorption of nutrients

Higher ceruloplasmin levels could be because of estrogen therapy, birth control pills or pregnancy. It can also indicate diseases like Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukaemia, rheumatoid arthritis or primary biliary cirrhosis.

Note: A ceruloplasmin serum test may show normal values even if you have Wilson’s disease and are also suffering from acute hepatitis. Ensure you consult your healthcare provider after receiving your test results and follow their instructions for the next steps.

Risks of a Ceruloplasmin Serum Test

While there are no significant risks posed while undergoing this test, you may experience slight bruising around the site of the needle insertion or inflammation of the vein from where the blood is drawn. In this case, it is advised to apply a warm compress to the site to reduce the swelling.

Conclusion

Ceruloplasmin is the main copper-transporting protein in the blood, which also contributes to iron metabolism. It plays an essential role in maintaining various body functions as well. Any change in the levels of this protein can indicate significant health issues

Metropolis Health is one of the leading names in the country that provides various diagnostic tests, keeping the comfort of the patient and the accuracy of the test at the forefront of their service. Contact us to find out the serum ceruloplasmin test cost and any other instructions you need to know before carrying out the test.