Serum zinc, Zn
Up to 24 hours
Colorimetric
Age-specific
If EDTA plasma is received, clients will be contacted and offered analysis from our accredited laboratory partner, with relevant charges applied. Rejection criteria: Grossly hemolyzed specimens
Accredited NRL Laboratory
Daily
Zinc is an essential trace element, involved in many biological functions, including the immune system and metabolism. Indications for measurement are usually to assess nutritional status and potential deficiency.
Serum or Heparinized Plasma
1 mL
Trace Metal Serum (Royal Blue Top with RED stripe on the label) - Preferred, Serum Separator Tube (SST; Gold Top) - Acceptable, Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top) - Acceptable
No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. If this is not possible, samples should be centrifuged and transported refrigerated (2-8°C).
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |