What type of sample is required for a Ceruloplasmin test?

The Ceruloplasmin test is performed to measure the level of ceruloplasmin in the blood, which is a protein that carries copper in the bloodstream and is important for various bodily functions. The correct sample type required for this test is serum. Serum is the liquid portion of blood that remains after clotting, and it contains a variety of substances, including proteins, hormones, and electrolytes.

Serum is typically preferred for biochemical tests, such as the Ceruloplasmin test, because it provides a clear sample without the cells and other components that are present in whole blood or plasma. Plasma, although containing similar components as serum, includes clotting factors which are not needed for this test after processing the blood sample; thus, serum is the most common choice.

Whole blood would contain cells that could interfere with the analysis, and urine is not suitable for this type of test because ceruloplasmin is not primarily excreted through urine. Thus, using serum ensures accurate measurement and interpretation of ceruloplasmin levels in the patient's blood.