Zinc, Serum Concentration
This test measures the amount of zinc, a mineral essential for many bodily functions, in your blood serum. Zinc helps support immune function, wound healing, and metabolism.
["Zinc helps your body stay healthy, but low levels may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25558-8
- Short code
- Deprecated Zinc Ser-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Zinc Ser-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for zinc deficiency, which can occur due to poor diet, certain medications, or medical conditions like Crohn’s disease or malabsorption disorders. It may also be used to monitor zinc levels in people with chronic illnesses or those receiving zinc supplements.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your lab requires it, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Low zinc levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels could signal conditions like acute pancreatitis or certain genetic disorders. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Zinc deficiency can weaken immunity, slow wound healing, and cause hair loss or skin problems. Severe deficiency may lead to growth delays in children or neurological issues. High zinc levels can mask copper deficiency or may signal metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Zinc Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low zinc levels?
How can I prevent zinc deficiency?
Does zinc testing affect other tests?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy