Ceruloplasmin Test

A ceruloplasmin test helps to determine the levels of ceruloplasmin in your body. It’s most often used in the diagnosis of Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder. Wilson’s disease is also known as hepatolenticular degeneration. The normal range for ceruloplasmin in the blood is between 20 and 50 milligrams per deciliter. Lower level of ceruloplasmin levels are, may indicate the presence of Wilson’s disease. Ceruloplasmin, a glycoprotein produced in the liver, which carries more than 95 percent of the copper in blood plasma. Copper plays an important role in the body by assisting crucial bodily processes. These include producing energy, forming connective tissue, and helping your central nervous system function.

There’s usually no special preparation required for the ceruloplasmin test. However, it is advised to take a doctor’s advice if the patient is pregnant, going through estrogen therapy, or using birth control pills, before going through the test. These aspects aid in the rise of ceruloplasmin levels. Inflammation from infection, injury, or trauma can also cause an increase. Ask your doctor if there’s anything you need to do before the test.

This test supports to diagnose Wilson’s disease. The amount of Ceruloplasmin protein, a copper-containing enzyme in the blood can be measured with the help of this test. Ceruloplasmin test is also used (infrequently) in case of deficient body copper levels.

1. The test is done with a blood and/or urine sample.
2. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
3. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis.
A ceruloplasmin blood test is used to determine what proportion of the body’s ceruloplasmin (the protein produced by the liver) is working to transport copper. If there copper in large quantity in the blood but only a small percentage of ceruloplasmin proteins are carrying copper through the blood, then one can assume that the body is having a concern with copper elimination rather than with production.
Certain medicines which are taken currently may have some influence in the reading of the test. Hence, your health care provider should be informed about all the medicines taken including herbal health supplements. This information will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.