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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, in your blood serum.

Quick summary

["Zinc helps support your body’s defenses and normal growth—low levels may affect these processes."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17778-2
Short code
Zinc WBC-mCnc
Synonyms
Zinc WBC-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
4.5
Ref high
11
Critical range
2 N/A – 30 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
85004
SNOMED
900000000000003002
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 Might This Test Be Ordered?

Your healthcare provider may check zinc levels if you have symptoms like frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, or unusual fatigue. They might also order this test to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, malabsorption disorders, or certain medications that affect zinc absorption.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally, but avoid taking zinc supplements for 24 hours before testing if possible.

How the Test Works

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where zinc is measured using a specialized analytical technique.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Low zinc levels may indicate deficiencies, while high levels could suggest certain medical conditions or medication use.

Reference range

Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Zinc Level

Frequently asked questions

Low zinc levels may weaken your immune system, slow healing, or cause neurological symptoms. High levels can sometimes signal kidney disease or other metabolic issues, though they’re less common.
This test is typically used to diagnose or monitor zinc deficiency or related conditions, but it’s not always definitive on its own. Results may be reviewed alongside other symptoms and tests.
What causes low zinc levels?
Common causes include poor diet (low intake of zinc-rich foods like meat, nuts, or seeds), malabsorption (e.g., from celiac disease or Crohn’s), chronic illnesses, or certain medications that interfere with zinc absorption.
What causes high zinc levels?
High zinc levels are less frequent but can occur with kidney disease, excessive zinc supplements, or rare genetic disorders. They may also appear in short-term spikes from high dietary intake.
  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