24-hour urine copper test

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning. Afterward, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours. On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning. Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the…

No special preparation is necessary for this test. Extra collection bags may be needed if the sample is being taken from an infant.

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Your provider may order this test if you have signs of Wilson disease , a genetic disorder that affects how the body processes copper.

The normal range is 10 to 30 micrograms per 24 hours. Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different…

An abnormal result means you have a higher than normal level of copper. This may be due to: Biliary cirrhosis Chronic active hepatitis Wilson disease

There are no risks associated with providing a urine sample.

Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29. Schilsky ML. Wilson disease and related disorders. In: Friedman LS, Martin P, eds. Handbook of Liver Disease . 4th…