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Serum Zinc Concentration (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of zinc in your blood serum. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including immune support and metabolism.

Quick summary

["Zinc levels help assess nutritional status and potential deficiencies that may affect health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25557-0
Short code
Zinc RBC-sCnc
Synonyms
Zinc RBC-sCnc
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 this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, hair loss, slow wound healing, or fatigue. It may also be checked during pregnancy, in people with chronic illnesses, or those with dietary zinc deficiencies.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Low levels might indicate dietary zinc deficiency, while very high levels could suggest liver disease or certain medications.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Low zinc levels can result from poor diet, malabsorption issues, or chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease. High levels may be linked to liver problems or excessive zinc intake from supplements.

Reference range

Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Zinc Level

Frequently asked questions

What Are the Normal Zinc Levels?
Normal zinc levels vary by lab and age. Your provider will interpret results based on your specific needs and medical history.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
Can Zinc Levels Change with Diet?
Yes, zinc intake from food (like meat, nuts, and seeds) can affect your levels. Avoiding excessive zinc supplements without medical advice may also impact results.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy