Zinc in Serum (Mass 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 proper taste and smell.
["Zinc levels can help assess nutritional status or identify potential deficiencies or excesses."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27125-4
- Short code
- Zinc RBC-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Zinc RBC-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order a serum zinc test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, or changes in taste and smell. It may also be used to check for zinc deficiency in people with certain medical conditions, like Crohn’s disease or malabsorption disorders, or in those who take certain medications that can affect zinc absorption.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. The process takes just a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micrograms per deciliter). Your provider will interpret the results in relation to your overall health and medical history.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low zinc levels may indicate malnutrition, chronic illness, or conditions affecting zinc absorption. High levels could suggest liver disease, kidney problems, or certain medications. Zinc is also important for immune function, so monitoring levels can help prevent complications in people with weakened immune systems.
Short name
Serum Zinc Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low zinc levels?
How is zinc deficiency treated?
Can high zinc levels be dangerous?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy