Copper urine Test

This test is recommended for individuals who are suspected of having Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease leads to over-accumulation of free copper in blood, which shows up as high urine copper levels.

Signs and symptoms of Wilson’s disease are:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Stiff muscles

Copper urine test may also be advised to people with obstructive liver disease and kidney diseases.

No special preparations are needed for this test. However, extra collection bags may be needed in case of urine sample collection from infants. Let the doctor know if you are taking any medicines, vitamins or supplements as these may interfere with the test results. 

Your doctor may also advise you avoiding certain foods that may affect the results of this test.

A 24-hour urine sample is collected to detect copper levels in the urine. You will be given special containers to collect the sample:

• Discard the first urine of the day 
• Collect all the other urine samples for the next 24 hours in the special container provided by the lab
• Collect the first urine sample in the morning the very next day
• Tightly close the container and store the urine sample in a refrigerator during the collection time

Make sure to label the containers with your name, date and time of collection of the sample before submitting it to the lab.

Urine collection from infants: For collection of a urine sample from an infant, you’ll be provided with a urine collection bag and a container. Wipe the infant’s urine exits thoroughly. Place the entire penis (for males) in the urine collection bag or place the bag over the labia (for females). Once enough sample is collected, drain it into the container and submit it for testing.

Normal results:

The typical values of copper in a healthy individual may vary among laboratories. A doctor can help you in the appropriate interpretation of test results.

Generally, the normal range of copper in urine is 10-30 µg/24 hours.

Abnormal results:

Higher than normal urine copper levels indicate the possibility of Wilson’s disease, chronic active hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome

In case of abnormal results form this test, your doctor may order further tests to confirm the condition.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.