Copper blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Copper is a trace element the body needs in small amounts. It helps enzymes that make red blood cells, absorb and use iron, form connective tissue, protect cells from damage and keep nerves and the immune system working. Shellfish, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, offal and dark chocolate are good dietary sources. Most copper in the blood is carried by a protein called caeruloplasmin.

Low copper is uncommon but can occur after bariatric surgery, with conditions that reduce absorption, or with long-term high-dose zinc supplements, because zinc blocks copper absorption. It can cause anaemia and low white cell counts that do not respond to iron, as well as nerve problems affecting balance and sensation. High copper is less common and is linked to inflammation, pregnancy, the contraceptive pill or HRT, and rarely to Wilson's disease, an inherited condition in which copper builds up. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You take zinc supplements regularly, especially at high doses.
• You have had gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery.
• You have anaemia or a low white cell count that has not improved with iron.
• You have numbness, tingling or poor balance and want to look at nutritional causes.
• Your clinician has suggested checking copper as part of a wider assessment.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your copper result with the laboratory reference range. A low level may point to reduced absorption, high zinc intake or, less commonly, low dietary intake, and your practitioner may suggest checking zinc and a full blood count alongside it. A raised level is often caused by inflammation, pregnancy or oestrogen-containing medicines rather than a copper problem.

Investigating Wilson's disease needs specialist tests beyond a single blood copper level, usually arranged by a liver specialist. A level outside the range points to a conversation about next steps rather than a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

A fasting morning sample may be preferred, and we will confirm the preparation when you book. Please tell us about zinc, copper or multivitamin supplements, the contraceptive pill or HRT, and whether you are pregnant, as these all affect the result.

Copper is included in Omnia Signature. If anaemia is part of the picture, our iron and anaemia tests and full blood count are useful companions. The hub page gives every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a copper blood test in Chiswick?

A copper blood test costs £79 at Omnia. This covers the sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report if you would like one.

Can zinc supplements lower copper?

Yes. Taking high-dose zinc for long periods can reduce how much copper you absorb and lead to deficiency. It is worth testing if you have taken zinc for months.

Does the contraceptive pill affect copper?

Yes. Oestrogen raises the carrier protein caeruloplasmin, which increases copper in the blood. Your practitioner will take this into account.

Is this test used for Wilson's disease?

A blood copper level alone cannot diagnose Wilson's disease. Specialists use a combination of tests, including caeruloplasmin and urine copper.