Featured Reagent - Copper

Copper is an essential trace element found in human nutrition and is a component of many metalloenzymes. Copper is important for a number of functions including the creation of connective tissues, production of energy in cells as well as nervous system and brain functions.

Copper testing is predominantly carried out to diagnose Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder which is associated with excess copper storage in the brain, liver and other organs. This copper toxicity can cause side effects such as nausea, jaundice, fatigue and changes in behaviour. Long term copper toxicity can also result in liver and kidney damage.

Copper deficiency can also occur however this is less common. Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting children which leads to copper deficiency in the brain and liver. This condition results in developmental problems, seizures and is characterised by unusual kinky, brittle hair which is often grey in colour. Other symptoms of copper deficiency include anaemia, muscle weakness and ataxia.

The Randox copper kit provides an accurate and reliable method for the determination of copper in serum and plasma.

Randox Copper Performance Characteristics

• Lyophilised reagent- for enhanced stability
• Standard supplied with kit- simplifying the ordering process
• Extensive measuring range- 1.3-97µmol/l. Normal values in serum are 11-24µmol/l in males and 12.6-24.4µmol/l in females, therefore the Randox test will comfortably detect abnormal copper levels in a sample
• 2 week stability- at +2 to +8°C, minimising reagent waste
• Applications available- with instrument specific settings for a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers