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Zinc in Serum (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the amount of zinc, a mineral important for immune function, metabolism, and wound healing, found in your blood serum.

Quick summary

["Zinc helps your body stay healthy, but low or high levels may signal underlying health concerns."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
40937-5
Short code
Zinc SerPl Ql
Synonyms
Zinc SerPl Ql
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 fatigue, hair loss, or weakened immunity. It may also be used to monitor zinc levels in people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic illnesses or malabsorption disorders.

What Does a Low or High Zinc Level Mean?

Low zinc levels might indicate poor nutrition, digestive issues, or certain medical conditions. High levels could be due to certain medications or rare genetic disorders, though this is less common.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure zinc concentration.

What Are Common Symptoms?

Symptoms of zinc deficiency may include frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, or changes in taste. If you experience these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Zinc plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, and overall health. Abnormal levels can affect how your body functions, particularly in immune response, energy production, and tissue repair. Your provider may use this test to diagnose deficiencies, evaluate treatment responses, or assess conditions linked to zinc metabolism.

Short name

Zinc Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes low zinc levels?
Low zinc levels can result from poor diet (low intake of zinc-rich foods), digestive issues that prevent absorption, chronic illnesses, or certain medications. Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease may also reduce zinc absorption.
What causes high zinc levels?
High zinc levels are less common but can occur due to certain medications (like antibiotics or supplements), genetic disorders, or excessive intake. Rarely, it may be linked to kidney disease or overuse of zinc supplements.
Can zinc levels change with diet?
Yes, diet plays a key role. Foods like meat, shellfish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of zinc. However, excessive intake of zinc supplements or certain medications can also affect levels.
  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