Ceruloplasmin Test

Ceruloplasmin test along with Copper in serum are done to diagnose Wilsons disease

As the ceruloplasmin test measures the protein essential for binding copper in the body, your healthcare provider may recommend this test if they suspect a genetic condition - Wilson's disease. In this disease, your capacity for copper transport becomes inefficient, reducing the levels of copper in your blood. 

The ceruloplasmin test can also diagnose conditions that can result in copper deficiency. These conditions may be a result of the following:

• Malnutrition - lack of copper in your diet
• Malabsorption - inefficient absorption of copper in your digestive tract
• Menkes disease - a genetic disease affecting copper absorption
• High dietary zinc levels compete with copper for absorption in your gut.

If you have the following symptoms, your doctor may prescribe you a ceruloplasmin test:

• Anaemia
• Feeling tired
• Pain in your abdomen
• Walking difficulty
• Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia
• Nausea
• Tingling, numbness in your hands and feet
• Tremors
• Pale complexion
• Jaundice

Ceruloplasmin Serum Test measures the amount of Ceruloplasmin in the blood

Ceruloplasmin serum test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

The Ceruloplasmin serum test is a blood test. Your healthcare provider will need to take a small blood sample.

The ceruloplasmin blood test is relatively painless and does not require a long time to conduct. If you are afraid of needles or pricking, inform the technician before the test. Looking away from the needle during the blood collection or taking a deep breath can help make the process easier. 

Low Ceruloplasmin are found in Wilson's disease, dietary copper deficiency, protein loss syndromes and  liver failure
Increased levels occur in inflammation, infection, trauma, during pregnancy and with use of estrogen and  oral contraceptives

If your ceruloplasmin levels are low, this indicates your body is using copper inefficiently. Low levels of ceruloplasmin in your blood signify 

• Wilson's disease
• Menkes disease
• Malabsorption of copper in the gut
• Malnutritions or copper deficiency in the diet
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Low ceruloplasmin levels may also be solely due to copper deficiency in the diet without any other underlying disease.

If the levels of ceruloplasmin are more than the normal range, it indicates your blood has irregularly higher levels of copper. High ceruloplasmin levels are present in:

• Heart disorders
• Blood cancer- leukaemia
• Hodgin lymphoma
• Rheumatoid arthritis

High serum ceruloplasmin levels can also be present without any underlying disease. Certain conditions, such as birth control/estrogen pills and pregnancy, can cause increased blood ceruloplasmin levels. Inflammation due to infection or an injury can also increase blood ceruloplasmin levels.

Your healthcare practitioner will recommend the ceruloplasmin test if they suspect any condition causing copper deficiency or a genetic disorder like Wilson's disease.

The ceruloplasmin test requires no specific preparation before the test. Hydrating yourself can prove beneficial. Generally, drinking plenty of water or fluids before the blood collection can help smooth the process. It will prevent constriction of the blood vessels.

As such, there are no major risks to getting a serum ceruloplasmin test. You may experience mild discomfort or pain (during the blood collection with the needle that pricks your arm).

Risks, if any, are those typical to most routine blood tests. They include:

• Veins that are difficult to access and obtain a sample from will require multiple pricks
• Excessive bleeding at the needle pricking site
• Hematoma - accumulation of blood under the skin
• Skin infection - site of needle prick

The risks are rare due to the strict protocols followed during the blood sample collection for hygiene maintenance and biosafety.

The test requires a blood sample. A lab technician will tie an elastic band around your arm to easily access your blood vessels. After sanitizing the site with alcohol rub, they will insert the needle into the vein in your arm. They will draw the required amount of blood, remove the needle, and place a cotton bandage over the area.

With the blood sample drawn, the lab process the blood sample to provide you with the result. The test analyses a part of the blood - plasma. A centrifuge machine can separate the blood cells from the plasma for analysis

Normal values for ceruloplasmin ranges from:

• 22-40mg/dL for men
• 25-60mg/dL for women 
• 30-120 mg/dL for pregnant women

The values tend to be higher in the case of children. Toddlers may have values ranging between 30 to 90mg/dL. The ceruloplasmin levels may vary based on different labs. Consult your doctor to understand your results better.

Ceruloplasmin, a protein produced in your liver, helps bind with copper and circulates it throughout your body. Copper is a vital nutrient in energy production and bone and skin health. Melanin pigment production in your skin also requires copper. It also assists in iron transport from your gut to the various storage sites in your body. 
 

It is also known as Wilson disease.