Zinc Serum/Plasma Test
Short Name: Zinc Test
Also known as: Serum Zinc Test, Plasma Zinc Test, Zinc Level Test, Zinc Blood Test, Trace Element Zinc Test
Zinc Serum/Plasma Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹2,106. Uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) on Serum or Plasma samples. Results in Sample must reach the laboratory by 6:00 PM daily. Reports are typically available the next working day. Delays may occur in rare cases requiring repeat analysis.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of this test is to accurately quantify zinc levels in the blood to detect zinc deficiency or, less commonly, excessive zinc exposure. Zinc deficiency can impair immune response, delay wound healing, cause skin disorders, and affect growth and development, especially in children. This test assists physicians in diagnosing deficiency, guiding supplementation or dietary changes, and monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients receiving zinc therapy. It is also used in occupational health settings to monitor workers exposed to zinc in industrial environments.
- Test Code
- 1470
- ICD Code
- E60
- Price
- ₹2,106
- Sample Type
- Serum or Plasma
- Result Time
- Sample must reach the laboratory by 6:00 PM daily. Reports are typically available the next working day. Delays may occur in rare cases requiring repeat analysis.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Sample Collection
Avoid consuming sea or fresh water fish for at least 3 days prior to specimen collection. If Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, wait at least 96 hours before sample collection. No fasting is strictly required, but follow your physician's specific instructions.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample of 3 mL (minimum 1 mL) is drawn via venipuncture from a vein in the arm. The sample must be collected in a metal-free White Top (Z-No Additive) tube or a metal-free Royal Blue Top (K2EDTA) tube. Powderless gloves must be used by the phlebotomist to prevent zinc contamination.
Report Delivery
The blood sample is labeled, processed, and either refrigerated or frozen for transport to the laboratory. Avoid touching the inside of the collection tube. Results are typically available within 24 hours of sample receipt at the laboratory.
Timeline: Sample must reach the laboratory by 6:00 PM daily. Reports are typically available the next working day. Delays may occur in rare cases requiring repeat analysis.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of this test is to accurately quantify zinc levels in the blood to detect zinc deficiency or, less commonly, excessive zinc exposure. Zinc deficiency can impair immune response, delay wound healing, cause skin disorders, and affect growth and development, especially in children. This test assists physicians in diagnosing deficiency, guiding supplementation or dietary changes, and monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients receiving zinc therapy. It is also used in occupational health settings to monitor workers exposed to zinc in industrial environments.
How to Prepare
- Avoid sea and fresh water fish for 3 days before sample collection
- If Gadolinium or Iodine contrast was used, wait 96 hours before collection
- Sample must be collected in a metal-free tube (White Top or Royal Blue Top)
- Phlebotomist must use powderless gloves during specimen collection
- Ship specimen refrigerated or frozen; do not store at room temperature for extended periods
- A minimum of 1 mL serum or plasma is required, though 3 mL is preferred
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Zinc deficiency is more common than many patients realize and can present with subtle, nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, recurrent infections, poor wound healing, and changes in appetite. A serum zinc measurement is a valuable tool when clinical suspicion exists, particularly in patients with malabsorption syndromes, chronic gastrointestinal disease, or restrictive dietary patterns. I recommend this test when symptoms are persistent and not explained by other routine blood work. Early identification of zinc deficiency allows timely dietary or supplemental correction, preventing complications such as impaired immunity and growth retardation in children."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample collected in a non-metal-free tube
- Specimen contaminated due to use of powdered gloves
- Sample collected within 3 days of fish consumption
- Sample collected within 96 hours of Gadolinium or Iodine contrast administration
- Hemolyzed specimen
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL)
- Specimen stored at room temperature beyond 24 hours
Understanding Your Results
Low – Indicates zinc deficiency. May be associated with hair loss, skin problems, impaired wound healing, frequent infections, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Causes include poor dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, chronic liver or kidney disease, and certain medications. Clinical correlation and further evaluation recommended.
Status: Low
Range: Below 60 µg/dL
Normal – Zinc levels are within the expected reference range. No evidence of zinc deficiency or excess based on this single parameter. Continue maintaining a balanced diet rich in zinc-containing foods.
Status: Normal
Range: 60–120 µg/dL
Elevated – Serum zinc above the reference range. This is uncommon and usually results from sample contamination, excessive supplementation, or zinc-containing medication use. Chronic excessive zinc intake can interfere with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency (hypocupremia). Clinical assessment is advised.
Status: High
Range: Above 120 µg/dL
Consult your physician if your zinc levels fall outside the normal reference range, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent hair loss, slow wound healing, frequent infections, unexplained skin conditions, loss of taste or appetite, or chronic diarrhea. A healthcare provider can evaluate your results in the context of your overall health, recommend dietary changes, prescribe supplementation if necessary, and order follow-up testing to monitor your response to treatment.
Limitations
- ⚠Serum zinc levels may not fully reflect total body zinc stores
- ⚠Zinc levels can fluctuate with acute-phase response, infection, or stress
- ⚠Results should always be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and dietary history
- ⚠Albumin levels may influence serum zinc concentration; concurrent albumin measurement may be needed
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or soreness at the venipuncture site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site (very rare)
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness in individuals sensitive to blood draws
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent ingestion of sea or fresh water fish within 3 days of specimen collection
- ●Administration of Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media within 96 hours prior
- ●Contamination from galvanized or rubber-stoppered collection tubes
- ●Use of powder-contaminated gloves during specimen collection
- ●Hemolyzed blood samples may yield falsely elevated zinc levels
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Zinc Serum/Plasma Test | Copper Serum Test | Iron Studies Panel | Vitamin B12 Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Zinc Serum/Plasma Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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