Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Low Copper: What Does It Mean?

A low result can be associated with inadequate intake, malabsorption or other clinical conditions; serum/plasma levels do not always perfectly reflect total-body stores.

Test summary

Test name: Copper
Abbreviations: Cu
Category: Trace Minerals
Panel: Micronutrient Evaluation
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mcg/dL, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

The Copper test measures copper status related to iron use, energy production and nervous-system function.

Why is the test ordered?

Ordered when trace-mineral deficiency or excess is suspected, with malabsorption or in selected clinical contexts; timing and inflammation can affect some measurements.

Information about a low result

A low result can be associated with inadequate intake, malabsorption or other clinical conditions; serum/plasma levels do not always perfectly reflect total-body stores.

Information about a high result

A high result can be associated with supplements, high exposure or altered metabolism; the result alone is not a diagnosis of toxicity.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Trace-mineral results should be interpreted with sampling conditions, inflammation, diet and related proteins/elements.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Zinc – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2026 · Serum/plasma zinc status, typical concentrations and sex-specific inadequate-status cutoffs · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Copper – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2022 · Copper biology, deficiency and zinc-copper interaction · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Ceruloplasmin Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · Ceruloplasmin, copper metabolism and Wilson disease testing limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026