Zinc Blood Test

The Zinc blood test measures the level of zinc in the blood, typically using serum or plasma samples. Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and enzyme activity. This test is useful for detecting zinc deficiency or toxicity and monitoring nutritional status.

1. What Is Zinc?

• A trace mineral required for enzyme function, immune support, wound healing, and growth.

• Found in foods like meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.

• Stored in muscles and bones; small amounts circulate in the blood.

2. Why Is the Zinc Test Performed?

• Diagnose zinc deficiency or toxicity.

• Monitor zinc supplementation.

• Evaluate conditions such as malnutrition, poor wound healing, or immune dysfunction.

3. Reference Range

• Normal serum/plasma zinc: 60–120 µg/dL (may vary slightly by lab).

4. Interpreting Results

🔹 Low Zinc:

• Suggests deficiency, often due to poor diet, malabsorption, or chronic illness.

• Symptoms: impaired immunity, slow wound healing, hair loss, taste disturbance.

🔹 High Zinc:

• Often caused by excessive supplementation.

• May cause nausea, immune suppression, or interfere with copper balance.

5. Factors Affecting Zinc Levels

• Diet, fasting state, stress, infection, medications (diuretics, PPIs).

• Lab technique (hemolysis or contamination can alter results).

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• Blood is drawn from a vein, ideally fasting, using trace-metal-free tubes.

7. When to See a Doctor

• If experiencing symptoms like frequent infections, poor healing, or dietary deficiencies.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ Zinc is essential for immune and metabolic health.

✅ Blood tests help diagnose deficiency or monitor supplementation.

✅ Balance is key—both low and high levels can have health impacts.