Copper is drawn in a EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or heparin (royal blue-top) tube at Quest, a Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube or royal blue-top without EDTA at LabCorp, and a Blue-Royal Blue Top K2 EDTA Plasma at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Copper: Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
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| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 363 | 001586 | 0479-6 |
| Primary tube | EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or heparin (royal blue-top) tube | Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube or royal blue-top without EDTA | Blue-Royal Blue Top K2 EDTA Plasma |
| Specimen type | 2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube or heparin (royal blue-top) tube | Serum or plasma | Blue-Royal Blue Top K2 EDTA Plasma(*LAVENDER LINE) |
| Patient prep | See lab specimen manual | See lab specimen manual | See lab specimen manual |
| Minimum volume | Minimum Volume 0.7 mL | Minimum Volume 0.4 mL | Stated with specimen 2 mL |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Copper?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Copper is 363.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Copper?
LabCorp uses a Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube or royal blue-top without EDTA for Copper.
Does Copper require fasting?
Copper patient prep: See lab specimen manual. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 17, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 17, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 17, 2026
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