Ceruloplasmin Test Test
A ceruloplasmin test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in your blood. Ceruloplasmin is a protein made by your liver that carries copper to parts of your body that need it. This test is often used with other tests to help diagnose Wilson disease or conditions that cause too little copper.
What this test measures
A ceruloplasmin test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in a sample of your blood. Your liver makes ceruloplasmin by attaching copper to a protein. Your liver releases the ceruloplasmin into your bloodstream so it can carry copper to the parts of your body that need it.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Higher than normal ceruloplasmin levels may be linked to: Heart disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, Infection, inflammation, or injury. But high levels don't always mean you have a condition that needs medical treatment. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and certain medicines, including estrogen therapy to treat menopause, may cause high blood ceruloplasmin. Too much copper in your diet rarely causes high ceruloplasmin.
Lower-than-normal results
Lower than normal ceruloplasmin levels may mean your body is not able to use copper properly. Low ceruloplasmin may be a sign of: Wilson disease, Menkes syndrome, Severe liver disease, Kidney disease, A lack of copper caused by malnutrition and/or malabsorption.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ceruloplasmin test?
A ceruloplasmin test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in your blood. Ceruloplasmin is a protein made by your liver that carries copper to parts of your body that need it.
Why is this test done?
This test is most often used with other tests to help diagnose Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from removing extra copper. It may also help diagnose conditions that cause low levels of copper.
What does a low ceruloplasmin level mean?
Low ceruloplasmin may be a sign of Wilson disease, Menkes syndrome, severe liver disease, kidney disease, or a lack of copper caused by malnutrition or malabsorption.
What does a high ceruloplasmin level mean?
High ceruloplasmin may be linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, infection, inflammation, or injury. But pregnancy, birth control pills, and certain medicines can also cause high levels.
Can this test alone diagnose a condition?
No, the results of a ceruloplasmin test alone cannot diagnose any conditions. Your provider will consider all test results along with your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Ceruloplasmin Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.