Serum Zinc

Zinc level, immunity & growth

This test measures the amount of zinc in your blood. Zinc is a trace mineral the body needs for growth, wound healing, a healthy immune system, taste and smell, and healthy skin and hair. The body cannot store much zinc, so it needs a regular supply from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, pulses and whole grains.

• Poor growth or delayed development in children
• Slow wound healing, frequent infections or hair loss
• Skin rashes or a reduced sense of taste or smell
• Long-term diarrhoea or bowel conditions that reduce absorption
• To check levels during long-term nutrition support or zinc treatment

You do not need to fast. Tell your doctor if you take zinc or multivitamin supplements, and keep taking your prescribed medicines unless told otherwise. A morning sample is often preferred, as zinc levels change a little through the day.

Sample

Blood sample

How it works

A trained collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at home, which takes only a few minutes. If the test is for a child, holding them on your lap can help keep them calm and still.

Report

Within 3 days of collection.

Your zinc level is reported with the laboratory's range. A low level can reflect poor intake, poor absorption or increased loss, but zinc also falls during infection, inflammation and when blood albumin is low, so a low result does not always mean a true shortage. High levels are uncommon and usually relate to taking too many supplements. Your doctor will interpret the result with your diet, symptoms and other tests.

One test: Serum Zinc, from one blood sample.