What is the reference range for Copper?

The standard reference range for Copper is Approximately 0.7–1.4 mg/L (11–22 µmol/L); rises with oestrogen and inflammation.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Copper?

Copper is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including ADHD Premium Panel, Blood Spot ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements.

Biomarker Reference · Cu

What does the Copper test measure?

Copper (Cu) is a clinical biomarker used in neurological-mental-health assessment. Copper is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in mitochondrial respiration, connective tissue synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and iron metabolism. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Approximately 0.7–1.4 mg/L (11–22 µmol/L); rises with oestrogen and inflammation.
Units: µg/dL, µmol/L, mg/L
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: Neurological

Functional medicine optimalFunctional practitioners often target 0.9–1.2 mg/L with a Cu:Zn ratio near 1:1, though inflammation confounds both.

What is Copper?

Copper is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in mitochondrial respiration, connective tissue synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and iron metabolism. Most circulating copper is bound to caeruloplasmin, an acute-phase protein, so blood copper rises in inflammation, pregnancy, and oral contraceptive use.

Why is Copper measured?

Low copper indicates deficiency (malabsorption, excessive zinc, Menkes disease) or hypocaeruloplasminaemia. High copper is seen in Wilson disease (with low caeruloplasmin), inflammatory states, and oestrogen exposure. The copper:zinc ratio is used in functional medicine to assess inflammatory balance, though its clinical utility is debated.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Approximately 0.7–1.4 mg/L (11–22 µmol/L); rises with oestrogen and inflammation.
Functional medicine optimal: Functional practitioners often target 0.9–1.2 mg/L with a Cu:Zn ratio near 1:1, though inflammation confounds both.
Units: µg/dL, µmol/L, mg/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Copper

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-CHP-020Comprehensive

ADHD Premium Panel

Copper reference range in this test: Approximately 70–140 µg/dL; sex- and age-dependent.

BML-HMT-010Comprehensive

Blood Spot ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements

Copper reference range in this test: Approximately 0.7–1.4 mg/L (11–22 µmol/L); rises with oestrogen and inflammation.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

ZincZn3 tests Copper:Zinc RatioCu:Zn3 tests HomocysteineHcy5 tests Methylmalonic AcidMMA1 test Serum FolateFolate3 tests Vitamin B12B125 tests 25-Hydroxyvitamin D25(OH)D2 tests Ferritin4 tests

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