Home
HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 8010 Mayo: CUT Copper, Liver Tissue
Reporting Name
Copper, Liver TsPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Diagnosing Wilson disease and primary biliary cirrhosis using liver tissue specimens
Method Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Specimen Required
Supplies: Metal Free Specimen Vial (T173)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Mayo metal-free specimen vial
Acceptable: Paraffin block, with no more than 1 or 2 cuts previously made
Specimen Volume: 2 mg
Collection Instructions: Two mg of liver tissue is required. This is typically a piece of tissue from a 22-gauge needle biopsy at least 2 cm long. If an 18-gauge needle is used, the tissue must be at least 1 cm in length.
Additional Information: Paraffin blocks will be returned 7 days after analysis is complete.
Specimen Type
Liver TissueSpecimen Minimum Volume
Needle biopsy: See Specimen Required; 2 mm x 2 mm (punch): 0.3 mg by dry weight
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Tissue | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | |||
| Frozen | |||
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
<50 mcg/g dry weight
Interpretation
The constellation of symptoms associated with Wilson disease, which includes Kayser-Fleischer rings, behavior changes, and liver disease, is commonly associated with liver copper concentrations above 250 mcg/g dry weight.
VERY HIGH
>1000 mcg/g dry weight:
This finding is strongly suggestive of Wilson disease.
HIGH
250-1000 mcg/g dry weight:
This finding is suggestive of possible Wilson disease.
MODERATELY HIGH
50-250 mcg/g dry weight:
Excessive copper at this level can be associated with cholestatic liver disease, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and familial cholestatic syndrome. Heterozygous carriers for Wilson disease occasionally have modestly elevated values but rarely higher than 125 mcg/g of dry weight. In general, the liver copper content is higher than 250 mcg/g dried tissue in patients with Wilson disease.
If any of the above findings are without supporting histology and other biochemical test results, contamination during collection, handling, or processing should be considered. Genetic testing for Wilson disease is available; order WNDZ / Wilson Disease, ATP7B Full Gene Sequencing with Deletion/Duplication, Varies. If additional assistance is needed, call 800-533-1710.
In patients with elevated levels of copper without supporting histology and other biochemical test results, contamination during collection, handling, or processing should be considered.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Report Available
3 to 6 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82525
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CUT | Copper, Liver Ts | 8198-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8687 | Copper, Liver Ts | 8198-4 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.