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Zinc concentration in serum/plasma

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

This test measures the amount of zinc, a mineral essential for many bodily functions, in your blood.

Quick summary

["Zinc levels help assess nutritional status and certain health conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
52910-7
Short code
Zinc Tiss-sCnt
Synonyms
Zinc Tiss-sCnt
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 if you have enough zinc in your blood. This can be important if you have symptoms like hair loss, frequent infections, or poor wound healing. It may also be done to monitor zinc levels in people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or malabsorption disorders, or those taking certain medications that affect zinc absorption.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a metabolic panel, but this depends on your specific order. Bring a list of all medications or supplements you take, as some may affect results.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are reported as a concentration of zinc in the blood, typically measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your lab, which may vary slightly by testing facility.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Low zinc levels may indicate malnutrition, poor absorption, or certain medical conditions. High levels could suggest liver disease, kidney problems, or exposure to certain medications or supplements. Zinc is also important for immune function, so abnormal levels may affect how your body fights infections.

Short name

Serum Zinc

Frequently asked questions

What causes low zinc levels?
Low zinc levels can result from poor diet (low intake of foods like meat, nuts, or seeds), digestive issues that prevent absorption (e.g., celiac disease), chronic illnesses (like Crohn’s disease), or certain medications (e.g., antacids). Rarely, genetic disorders or kidney disease can also lead to zinc deficiency.
What symptoms might I experience with abnormal zinc levels?
Symptoms of low zinc may include weakened immunity (frequent infections), hair loss, skin rashes, slow wound healing, or loss of taste and smell. High zinc levels may cause nausea, vomiting, or copper deficiency over time, though these are less common.
How is zinc tested in the blood?
Zinc is measured using a blood sample drawn from a vein. The lab analyzes the serum or plasma for zinc concentration using a method like atomic absorption spectroscopy or immunoassay, depending on the lab’s protocol.
  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