Copper (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SCU

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0152

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

LabPLUS Trace Metals

Sample Stability

Separated plasma 10 days at 2-8°C
Indefinite if frozen

Associated Tests

Turnaround Time

2 weeks

Test performed on weekdays.

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Additional Specimen Information

Serum samples are not suitable if zinc is also requested

Last updated: 27/08/2026