copper [Cu]

Introduction

From the Latin cuprum meaning 'from Cyprus', a source of copper for the Romans. Known to many ancient civilizations.

Occurrence

• somewhat rare
• makes up 0.0007% of earth's crust

Characteristics

• a common reddish metallic element
• ductile & malleable
• one of the best conductors of heat & electricity

Uses

• essential trace element for organisms, including humans
• water pipes
• electrical wires
• alloys brass & bronze

Laboratory

• copper in specimen
  • copper in water
  • copper in hair
  • copper in tissue
    • copper in liver
  • copper in erythrocytes
  • copper in body fluid
    • copper in dialysis fluid
    • copper in blood
    • copper in serum
    • copper in urine

* also see ARUP consult

More general terms

• trace element
• metal

Additional terms

• copper deficiency
• Cu+/Cu+2
• periodic table

Component of

• copper/copper sulfate/manganese/manganese sulfate/zinc sulfate
• chloroxylenol/copper/copper sulfate
• chlorophyllin/copper/papain/urea
• ascorbate/cobalamin/copper/copper sulfate/ferrous fumarate/folic acid/magnesium sulfate/manganese/manganese sulfate/nicotinamide/pantothenate/pyridoxine/riboflavin/thiamine/zinc sulfate
• alpha tocopheryl acetate/ascorbate/beta carotene/copper/copper sulfate/sodium selenite/zinc/zinc oxide
• alpha tocopheryl acetate/ascorbate/beta carotene/copper/copper sulfate/lutein/sodium selenite/zinc/zinc oxide

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=27099
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=23978