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24-Hour Urinary Zinc Excretion Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how much zinc your body excretes in urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess zinc metabolism and identify potential deficiencies or excesses.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate zinc balance in your body."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22689-4
Short code
Zinc 24h Ur-sRate
Synonyms
Zinc 24h Ur-sRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like hair loss, frequent infections, skin rashes, or unexplained fatigue. It may also be used to monitor zinc levels in people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or malabsorption disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting from one point in time (often midnight) and ending the same time the next day. Drink plenty of fluids to help urine flow, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

What Happens During the Test?

You will collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. The collected urine is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the amount of zinc excreted in the urine over this timeframe.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are typically reported as the amount of zinc excreted in micrograms (mcg) per day. Interpretation depends on your overall health, age, and other factors. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Zinc Urine Rate

Frequently asked questions

What does a low urinary zinc excretion mean?
A low result may suggest zinc deficiency, which can lead to weakened immunity, skin issues, or delayed wound healing. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or further testing to address this.
What does a high urinary zinc excretion mean?
High levels might indicate kidney problems or the use of certain medications that increase zinc excretion. Your doctor will review your medical history and other test results to determine the cause.
Is there any risk or discomfort with this test?
There is no discomfort. The main effort is collecting urine over 24 hours, which requires consistency in timing and proper storage. Drink fluids as directed to help urine flow naturally.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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