Zinc, Urine
Also known as: Zn, Urine
Use
Evaluate zinc exposure; evaluate low serum zinc levels; evaluate compliance in oral zinc therapy of Wilson disease.2 Low urine zinc levels in the presence of depressed serum zinc tends to confirm zinc deficiency.
Special Instructions
If a 24-hour urine collection is submitted, ensure that the request form includes the total 24-hour collection volume. Do not use preservatives, as the preservatives used for routine analysis may contain mercuric oxide, interfering with metal testing. For instances where both urinalysis and metal testing are ordered, submit separate urine specimens without additives for the metal tests.
Limitations
Zinc deficiency is often associated with decreased urine zinc excretion. However, this test may also indicate excessive urine losses due to conditions like cirrhosis, hemolytic anemias, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, diabetes, or chronic renal diseases. It is important to interpret results in the context of other clinical findings and potentially confirm with further testing as necessary.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21610-1
- 21610-1
- 2161-8
- 13473-4
- 5765-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
1.7 mL
Container
Plastic urine container, no preservative
Collection Instructions
Optional protocol: Instruct the patient to void at 8 AM and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine, including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24-hour collection period (8 AM the next morning). Secure the lid of the container.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |