Blood Deficiency & Anemia - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Red Blood Cell Copper (RBC Copper)

The Red Blood Cell Copper Test measures copper stored inside red blood cells, giving a clearer view of long-term copper status than a standard blood test. Copper is essential for energy, immunity, and red blood cell production. Low levels may cause fatigue, anaemia, or weak immunity, while high levels may indicate toxicity or over-supplementation. This test is only available at Healius and 4Cyte collection centres.

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Red Blood Cell Copper (RBC Copper)

Experiencing complex neurological symptoms, suspected copper-related health issues, or need the most accurate assessment of your copper status?

Overview

Your red blood cells are like tiny time capsules that hold valuable information about your body's copper levels over the past few months. The Red Blood Cell Copper test looks inside these cells to get a much clearer picture of your copper status than traditional blood tests, which can fluctuate daily based on what you've eaten or if you're fighting an infection. Think of copper as one of your body's essential maintenance workers – it helps produce energy, build strong connective tissues, process iron, create important brain chemicals, and protect your cells from damage.

This test is particularly valuable if you're experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms, movement problems, liver issues, or cognitive difficulties that might be linked to copper imbalance. It's also crucial for diagnosing conditions like Wilson's disease (where copper builds up dangerously in your body) or copper deficiency disorders that can seriously affect your brain, liver, and overall health if left untreated. Because this test reflects your copper status over months rather than days, it gives your healthcare provider a more reliable foundation for diagnosis and treatment monitoring, especially if you have a family history of copper-related disorders or are taking medications that affect how your body handles this essential mineral.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Hand tremors at rest Feeling anxious or worried most days Premature graying of hair Nutritional status assessment

Purpose

Essential for individuals with suspected Wilson's or Menkes disease, unexplained neurological symptoms, liver problems, or anyone needing accurate long-term copper status assessment.

How to prepare

Special collection procedures required to avoid contamination. Use trace element-free collection tubes. Inform healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and copper exposure sources that might affect results.

Understanding results

Results show RBC copper levels compared to normal reference ranges. Abnormal levels may indicate copper metabolism disorders, requiring further evaluation and possible genetic testing or specialized treatment.

After the test

Address abnormal RBC copper through comprehensive evaluation for copper metabolism disorders, genetic counseling if indicated, appropriate treatments such as chelation therapy, and regular monitoring. Work with specialists in metabolic disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • RBC copper reflects long-term copper status over 2-3 months and is less affected by recent dietary intake, inflammation, or other factors that can cause fluctuations in serum copper levels.
  • Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs, leading to liver disease, neurological symptoms, and psychiatric problems if untreated.
  • Symptoms may include movement disorders, tremor, psychiatric changes, liver problems, fatigue, cognitive issues, and in severe cases, neurological deterioration or liver failure.
  • Treatment typically involves copper chelation therapy with medications like penicillamine or trientine, zinc therapy to block copper absorption, and dietary copper restriction.
  • Yes, copper deficiency can cause anemia, neutropenia, bone problems, connective tissue disorders, and neurological symptoms, though deficiency is less common than excess.
  • High-copper foods include shellfish, nuts, seeds, chocolate, organ meats, and some grains, which may need to be limited in copper accumulation disorders.
Red Blood Cell Copper (RBC Copper)

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2

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3
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