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DNA Labs India

Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test

Short Name: Zinc 24h Urine

Also known as: 24-Hour Urine Zinc, Urine Zinc Test, Zinc Excretion Test, 24hr Urine Zinc Level

Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹2,106. Uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) on 24-Hour Urine samples. Results in Reports are typically available the next day after sample receipt. Daily sample collection is accepted, and reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

PhysicianAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test is ordered to diagnose zinc deficiency or toxicity, to monitor zinc levels in patients receiving zinc supplementation or parenteral nutrition, to investigate the cause of abnormal serum zinc levels, and to assess occupational or environmental zinc exposure. It is also useful in evaluating patients with symptoms suggestive of zinc dysregulation such as unexplained hair loss, impaired wound healing, recurrent infections, growth retardation in children, and taste disturbances. The test helps physicians identify whether abnormal serum zinc is due to dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, excessive renal loss, or excessive zinc ingestion.

Test Code
1469
CPT Code
84630
ICD Code
E60
Price
₹2,106
Sample Type
24-Hour Urine
Result Time
Reports are typically available the next day after sample receipt. Daily sample collection is accepted, and reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Step 1

Sample Collection

Patients should avoid sea and freshwater fish for at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to specimen collection. If Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, the specimen should not be collected for at least 96 hours. Inform your physician about any zinc supplements, denture adhesives, or medications you are taking. Ensure you have the acid-washed (metal-free) container kit provided by the laboratory. Use powderless gloves during the entire collection process.

Method: 24-Hour Urine Collection

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Begin the 24-hour urine collection by discarding the first morning urine on Day 1. Collect all subsequent urine produced over the next 24 hours in the provided acid-washed (metal-free) container. Store the container refrigerated or on ice during the collection period. On Day 2, collect the first morning urine and add it to the container to complete the 24-hour period. Mix the urine thoroughly. Measure and record the total 24-hour urine volume on the vial and the test request form. Transfer a 10 mL aliquot (minimum 5 mL) to the vial provided in the kit.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Seal the aliquot vial securely and label it with your name, date, and total urine volume. Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory. The collected specimen should reach the lab as soon as possible to ensure sample integrity. Your report will typically be available the next day after sample receipt.

Timeline: Reports are typically available the next day after sample receipt. Daily sample collection is accepted, and reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Avoid sea and freshwater fish for at least 3 days before collection. Wait 96 hours after receiving Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media. Inform your doctor about all supplements and medications. Obtain the acid-washed (metal-free) urine collection kit from the laboratory. Use powderless gloves during collection.
2
During the Test:This is a 24-hour urine collection test performed at home or in a laboratory setting. Discard the first morning void on Day 1 and collect all urine for the next 24 hours in the provided metal-free container. Store refrigerated. Record total volume and transfer a 10 mL aliquot to the provided vial.
3
After the Test:Seal and label the sample. Ship refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory. No physical restrictions are required after sample submission. Await your report, which will typically be available the next day.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test is ordered to diagnose zinc deficiency or toxicity, to monitor zinc levels in patients receiving zinc supplementation or parenteral nutrition, to investigate the cause of abnormal serum zinc levels, and to assess occupational or environmental zinc exposure. It is also useful in evaluating patients with symptoms suggestive of zinc dysregulation such as unexplained hair loss, impaired wound healing, recurrent infections, growth retardation in children, and taste disturbances. The test helps physicians identify whether abnormal serum zinc is due to dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, excessive renal loss, or excessive zinc ingestion.

How to Prepare

  • Use only the acid-washed (metal-free) container kit provided by the laboratory
  • Wear powderless gloves throughout the collection process
  • Discard the first morning urine on Day 1 and begin collecting from the next void
  • Collect all urine over the next 24 hours including the first morning urine on Day 2
  • Store the container refrigerated during the entire collection period
  • Record the total 24-hour urine volume on the vial and test request form
  • Mix urine thoroughly and transfer 10 mL aliquot to the provided vial
  • Avoid sea and freshwater fish for 3 days before collection
  • Do not collect for 96 hours after Gadolinium or Iodine contrast administration

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"Zinc is an essential trace element involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. A 24-hour urine zinc measurement helps clinicians assess zinc homeostasis when serum levels are equivocal or when excessive zinc exposure or renal loss is suspected. This test should always be interpreted alongside serum zinc, dietary history, and clinical symptoms. Patients must use metal-free collection containers and avoid seafood for at least 72 hours before collection to prevent false results. If you experience unexplained hair loss, impaired wound healing, recurrent infections, or taste disturbances, discuss zinc testing with your physician."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample Type24-Hour Urine
Sample Volume10 mL (5 mL min.) aliquot of 24-hour urine
ContainerAcid-washed (metal-free) container kit available from LPL
Collection Method24-Hour Urine Collection

Sample Stability

Room Temperature
Refrigerated (2–8°C)
Frozen (≤ -20°C)
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Sample collected in non-acid-washed or non-metal-free containers
  • Incomplete 24-hour urine collection (no total volume recorded)
  • Sample received without proper labeling or requisition form
  • Sample collected within 96 hours of Gadolinium or Iodine contrast media administration
  • Sample contaminated with blood, stool, or foreign material
  • Sample shipped at room temperature exceeding 24 hours

Understanding Your Results

The Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test measures the total zinc excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. Results should be interpreted in the context of serum zinc levels, serum copper, dietary history, and clinical symptoms. The following table provides a general guide:
📊

Low urinary zinc excretion may suggest zinc deficiency, poor dietary intake, or malabsorption. Correlate with serum zinc and clinical symptoms. Physicians may recommend dietary modification or zinc supplementation.

Status: Below Normal

Range: Below 150 µg/24 hours

📊

Urinary zinc excretion is within the normal reference range for adults. This suggests adequate zinc status. Continue maintaining a balanced diet rich in zinc-containing foods such as meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Status: Normal

Range: 150–1200 µg/24 hours

📊

Elevated urinary zinc excretion may indicate zinc toxicity, excessive zinc supplementation, increased tissue catabolism, or proximal renal tubular dysfunction. Excessive zinc can impair copper absorption leading to hypocupremia. Consult your physician for further evaluation.

Status: Above Normal

Range: Above 1200 µg/24 hours

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your physician if your Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test results are outside the normal reference range. Additionally, seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as persistent hair loss, chronic diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, slow wound healing, loss of appetite, or impaired taste and smell. Children with growth retardation or delayed sexual development should also be evaluated. If you are on long-term zinc supplementation or parenteral nutrition and your levels are abnormal, your physician may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Limitations

  • ⚠A single 24-hour urine zinc measurement may not reflect chronic zinc status; serial measurements may be needed
  • ⚠Urine zinc excretion can vary with dietary intake, stress, and physiological state
  • ⚠Results must be interpreted alongside serum zinc, serum copper, albumin levels, and clinical presentation
  • ⚠The test does not distinguish between dietary zinc insufficiency and malabsorption as causes of deficiency
  • ⚠Normal reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and populations

Risks & Considerations

  • ●No physical risks associated with urine collection
  • ●Incorrect timing or incomplete collection may yield inaccurate results and require repeat testing
  • ●False results may occur if collection instructions are not followed precisely

Interfering Factors

  • ●Recent consumption of sea or freshwater fish within 72 hours of collection may falsely elevate zinc levels
  • ●Administration of Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media within 96 hours can interfere with ICP-MS analysis
  • ●Use of galvanized or non-acid-washed collection containers can contaminate the sample with exogenous zinc
  • ●Zinc-containing supplements, denture adhesives, or topical zinc preparations may affect results
  • ●Haemolysis or contamination of urine with blood can lead to falsely elevated results
  • ●Incomplete 24-hour urine collection will yield inaccurate results
  • ●Use of rubber gloves (instead of powderless gloves) during collection may introduce zinc contamination

Compare With Similar Tests

TestZinc 24 Hour Urine TestSerum Zinc TestRBC Zinc TestHair Zinc Analysis
ComparisonZinc 24 Hour Urine Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test?
A Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test is a diagnostic test that measures the total amount of zinc excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps evaluate zinc deficiency or zinc toxicity and is performed using ICP-MS methodology for high accuracy.
Why is a Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test ordered?
Your physician may order this test if you show symptoms of zinc deficiency such as hair loss, impaired wound healing, recurrent infections, or taste disturbances. It is also ordered to investigate abnormal serum zinc levels, monitor zinc supplementation, or assess occupational zinc exposure.
How much does the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test cost in India?
The cost of the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test at DNA Labs India is ?2106, which includes free home sample collection across 300+ cities in India. The price is inclusive of the acid-washed collection kit, ICP-MS analysis, and report delivery.
How do I collect a 24-hour urine sample?
Discard your first morning urine on Day 1. Collect all urine produced over the next 24 hours in the provided metal-free container, including the first morning urine on Day 2. Store refrigerated, mix thoroughly, measure total volume, and transfer a 10 mL aliquot to the provided vial.
Is fasting required for the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test?
No, fasting is not required. However, you must avoid sea and freshwater fish for at least 3 days before the collection begins, and you should not collect the sample within 96 hours of receiving Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media.
What should I avoid before the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test?
Avoid all sea and freshwater fish for at least 3 days before specimen collection. Avoid zinc-containing supplements, denture adhesives, and topical zinc products as directed by your physician. If you have received Gadolinium or Iodine contrast, wait at least 96 hours before collecting.
What does a high zinc level in 24-hour urine mean?
Elevated urinary zinc excretion may indicate zinc toxicity from excessive supplementation, increased tissue breakdown, or proximal renal tubular dysfunction. Excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption leading to hypocupremia. Your physician will evaluate the cause and recommend appropriate action.
What does a low zinc level in 24-hour urine mean?
Low urinary zinc excretion may suggest zinc deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or chronic illness. It should be correlated with serum zinc levels, dietary history, and clinical symptoms. Your physician may recommend dietary changes or zinc supplementation.
When will I get my Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test report?
Reports for the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test are typically available the next day after the sample reaches the laboratory. You will receive your report via our online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Is home sample collection available for this test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test across 300+ cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and many more.
Can children undergo the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test?
Yes, the test can be performed on individuals of all ages. In children, zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation and delayed sexual maturation. Consult your paediatrician to determine if this test is appropriate for your child.
Is the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test covered by insurance?
Coverage for the Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test depends on your insurance policy and scheme. Government schemes such as PMJAY, CGHS, ECHS, and ESIC may cover this test under specific conditions. Private insurance coverage varies by insurer. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for details.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.
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