Zinc, Phosphide, Specimen, Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of zinc phosphide or its breakdown products in a body specimen, usually to investigate a possible exposure to zinc phosphide, a rodenticide (rat poison).
["It helps determine whether someone has been exposed to zinc phosphide, which can be dangerous and requires prompt medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20989-0
- Short code
- Zinc Phosphide Spec-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Zinc Phosphide Spec-mCnt
- 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
What Is Being Tested
Zinc phosphide is a chemical used in some rodent poisons. When a person is exposed by swallowing, breathing, or touching it, the body breaks it down into substances that can be measured in blood, urine, or other specimens. This test detects and quantifies those substances.
Why the Test Is Ordered
A doctor may order this test when someone has signs of poisoning and there is a reason to suspect contact with rat poison. It can also be used in workplace or public health investigations to confirm exposure.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted together with symptoms, the timing of exposure, and the type of specimen collected. A detectable level may support a diagnosis of exposure. Your care team will explain what your specific result means because interpretation depends on many factors.
Important Safety Note
If you suspect someone has swallowed or breathed zinc phosphide, contact poison control or emergency services right away. Do not wait for test results. This test supports, but does not replace, urgent medical evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic rodenticide. Exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Measurement of the substance or its breakdown products can help confirm exposure, guide treatment, and inform public health or workplace follow-up. Results must always be interpreted with the clinical picture and exposure history.
Short name
Zinc phosphide exposure test
Frequently asked questions
How is the specimen collected?
Can this test tell me how much poison I was exposed to?
Is a normal result a guarantee that I was not exposed?
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