Zinc mass concentration in serum or plasma

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for zinc deficiency, especially if you have symptoms like frequent infections, slow wound healing, or unusual fatigue. It can also help diagnose conditions like acrodermatitis enteropathica (a rare genetic disorder) or evaluate nutritional status in certain groups, such as those with malabsorption issues.

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 draw if your test is part of a broader metabolic panel. Bring any medications or supplements you take regularly to your appointment.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.

What Are Common Results?

Results are reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micrograms per deciliter, µg/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, low zinc levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels could signal conditions like acute pancreatitis or certain metabolic disorders.