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people taking high-dose zinc supplements develop copper deficiency
Turnlund et al., AJCN 2004
Good reasons to test
  • Taking high-dose zinc supplements (>25mg/day)
  • Unexplained anaemia that doesn't respond to iron treatment
  • Peripheral neuropathy or balance problems

No fasting required. Any time of day Results arrive in 3 to 5 business days, explained in plain language in your dashboard. Most results sit within the usual range - that is still useful, and anything unexpected supports a conversation with your healthcare practitioner.

Targeted Testing

Copper

A trace mineral essential for iron metabolism, nerve health, and immunity

$89one-off, no subscription
  • NATA-accredited pathology
  • No GP referral needed
  • Results in 3 to 5 business days
  • Collect at 1,900+ centres

Why this test

Copper deficiency is rare in the general population but increasingly common in people taking high-dose zinc supplements.

Copper is required for iron absorption and transport, nerve myelination, immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Deficiency causes anaemia, neuropathy, and immune dysfunction. It is most commonly seen in people taking excess zinc (which blocks copper absorption), those with malabsorption conditions, and following bariatric surgery. Copper toxicity can occur with Wilson's disease or excessive supplementation.

Understanding your results

Within reference range

Your copper level is within the expected range

Low-normal

Within range but on the lower side — review zinc and copper intake

Below reference range

Low copper may warrant investigation, especially if you take high-dose zinc — discuss with your healthcare practitioner

Above reference range

Elevated copper may occur with liver disease, inflammation, or Wilson's disease — discuss with your healthcare practitioner

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and personal context. Your result is shown against the lab's range in your dashboard, alongside what it means.

How it works

1
TODAY
Order online

Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.

2
THIS WEEK
One quick visit

Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.

3
IN 3 TO 5 BUSINESS DAYS
Clear results

We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.

4
ONGOING
Track over time

Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.

Yes. You can order the Copper test online from Clarity Labs without a GP referral. It's $89, collected at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres across Australia, with results in 3 to 5 business days via your secure online dashboard.

The Copper test is $89 at Clarity Labs, a one-off price with no subscription or membership. That covers your pathology request form and collection at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres nationwide.

Zinc and copper compete for absorption in the intestine. High-dose zinc supplements (commonly taken for immune support or testosterone) can significantly reduce copper absorption over time, leading to deficiency.

Shellfish (especially oysters), liver, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate are among the richest dietary sources of copper.

Every 6-12 months if you take high-dose zinc supplements or are managing a known copper deficiency. Otherwise, a baseline with a repeat if symptoms such as unexplained anaemia or neuropathy develop.

NATA-accredited pathologyCollected through Sonic Healthcare1,900+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Complete your health picture

Tests and panels that pair well with this one.

Nutritional Status

Vitamin D, iron, B vitamins, and mineral markers for nutritional deficiency screening.

$449
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Zinc

Zinc measurement for mineral status and immune function assessment.

$89
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Iron Studies

Iron studies panel measuring iron stores and transport for iron status assessment.

$85
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This information is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are best interpreted with a qualified healthcare practitioner in the context of your symptoms and history.

$89