Zinc, Whole Blood
Also known as: ZINC WB
Use
The Zinc, Whole Blood test is primarily used to evaluate zinc levels in the blood. However, it has limited utility as an indicator of zinc deficiency as the concentration does not correlate well with dietary intake. This test can be part of the assessment when zinc toxicity or exposure is suspected. For deficiency assessment, serum or plasma zinc levels are recommended, and for acute toxicity, urine zinc may be more reliable. Zinc concentration in the blood is not significantly altered by deficiency or supplementation.
Special Instructions
Patients should be advised to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications upon the advice of their physician, to avoid interfering substances in test results. Only royal blue tubes with K2EDTA or NaHep are acceptable for specimen collection.
Limitations
The Zinc, Whole Blood test results are susceptible to contamination by skin or collection-related factors, including the use of non-certified trace element-free collection tubes. Elevated results may warrant confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified trace element-free tube. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and is classified as a laboratory-developed test (LDT).
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 8245-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
3 or 6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Royal blue (K2EDTA) or royal blue (NaHep) tube
Patient Preparation
Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patient should discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications, upon the advice of their physician.
Storage Instructions
Transport at room temperature; refrigeration is also acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected in tubes other than royal blue (K2EDTA) or royal blue (NaHep); transported in containers not certified as trace element-free. Clotted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |