The levels of copper in a tissue sample may be falsely elevated if environmental contamination occurs. Certain contrast agents may interfere with the tissue analysis.
Source of copper contamination:
(1) fixative containing a copper salt (Hollandes, other)
(2) surfaces exposed to a copper-containing fixative or a copper salt
(3) microtome blade used to cut tissue fixed in a copper-containing fixative
(4) container that previously contained a copper salt solution
(5) formalin left in a plastic container for a period of time (The formalin will leach trace amounts of copper out of the plastic over time.)
Other sources of interference:
(1) exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agent within previous 48 hours
Special containers are available for collecting specimens to be submitted for metal content analysis.
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