Copper - Urine Random

The Copper-Urine random test is a diagnostic assessment that checks for symptomatic Wilson Disease or obstructive liver diseases like biliary cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis through the patient’s urine sample. The test measures the amount of copper present in a patient’s urine sample, through which a doctor can determine if the patient has these disorders or not.

Copper is an essential micronutrient that plays a key role in the formation of connective tissue, bone, and melanin. It is also involved in the formation of red blood cells (RBCs) and assists in absorbing iron from the blood. It is stored in the liver and travels in the blood, attached to a protein called ceruloplasmin.

Later, it is excreted through urine. A random urine test is, hence, helpful in determining the amount of copper present in the urine at any given time.

If the Copper-Urine random test detects an abnormal level of copper in your body, it may point to a liver or kidney dysfunction. You should enquire about getting a Copper-Urine random test if you are experiencing the following symptoms consistently:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Stiff muscles
• Difficulty in swallowing

The results of the Copper-Urine random test can help diagnose symptomatic Wilson disease early because people suffering from this usually excrete more than 100 grams of copper daily. This disorder can cause liver failure and persistent neurological issues like tremors, involuntary muscle movements, clumsy gait, and speech difficulties if left untreated.

Elevated levels of copper could also point to other disorders like cholestatic liver disease and proteinuria. Similarly, low urine copper levels are witnessed in patients suffering from malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, malabsorption, and nephrotic syndrome and are also a cause of concern. Increased zinc consumption also hampers normal copper absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, leading to hypocupremia.

But, before taking the random urine test, it is recommended to pause all nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential over-the-counter medication after consulting your physician as they may interfere with the test results. Other than that, the test requires no prior preparation and can be taken after consulting your doctor.You can get such a comprehensive Copper-Urine random test done at Apollo 24/7.