Copper, Liver
Test Mnemonic
LIVCOP
CPT Codes
- 82525 - QTY (1)
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cm long | Tissue, liver | See note | N/A | See note | Obtain a minimum of two liver cores, at least 1 cm in length per core, with an 18 gauge needle. Tissue can be fresh, dried, paraffin-embedded, or formalin-fixed (refer to stability for transport temperature). If formalin-fixed, the tissue should immediately be placed in the same container with formalin. Create a surgical pathology order for liver biopsy and include the comment "QUANTITATIVE COPPER." Specimens other than paraffin-embedded should be stored and transported in a metal-free container (e.g., royal blue with no additive). |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Paraffin block, preserved (formalin), or dried: Indefinitely; Fresh tissue: 1 week |
| Frozen | Paraffin block, preserved (formalin), or dried: Indefinitely; Fresh tissue: Indefinitely |
| Ambient | Paraffin block, preserved (formalin), or dried: Indefinitely; Fresh tissue: Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Wed
Turnaround Time
4 - 11 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Inductively Coupled Plasma / Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) |
Reference Range
Special Info
Specimens less than 0.25 mg (dry weight) are unacceptable. Routine existing paraffin block can be used. Paraffin blocks that have been processed with Hollandes or other copper-containing stain will be rejected. This test is New York DOH approved.
Clinical Info
This test may be useful when related serum or urine assessments are inconclusive. Hepatic copper concentrations approach or exceed 250 µg/g in untreated Wilson disease. Elevated hepatic copper is also seen with chronic biliary obstruction and cholestasis. Results inconsistent with other findings may reflect heterogeneity in hepatic copper distribution.