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Zinc in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the amount of zinc, a mineral essential for many bodily functions, present in your blood. Zinc supports immune health, wound healing, and metabolism.

Quick summary

["Zinc helps your body stay healthy, but levels can vary based on diet, health conditions, or medications."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
11028-8
Short code
Zinc Fld-mCnc
Synonyms
Zinc Fld-mCnc
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 cause symptoms like frequent infections, slow wound healing, or fatigue. It may also be used to monitor zinc levels in people with certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or malabsorption syndromes.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. If you’re having blood drawn, you may want to drink plenty of fluids the day of the test. If you’re having a urine test, follow any specific instructions your provider gives you, such as collecting a 24-hour sample.

What Happens During the Test?

For a blood test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you may need to provide a sample collected over a specific period (e.g., 24 hours). The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What Are Possible Results?

Results can vary depending on the method used and individual health factors. Your provider will interpret the results in relation to your overall health and symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Zinc Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can result from poor diet (low intake of foods like meat, shellfish, or nuts), gastrointestinal disorders (like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease), malabsorption, or certain medications. Chronic illness or excessive sweating may also deplete zinc levels.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your provider will contact you once they have the results.
Can I eat or drink before the test?
For blood tests, you may drink water but avoid eating for a short time before drawing blood. For urine tests, follow any specific instructions your provider gives, such as fasting or timing the sample collection.
  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