Zinc/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Use
Identifying the cause of abnormal serum zinc concentrations using a random urine specimen. Measurement of zinc concentration relative to creatinine helps in understanding zinc excretion and its relation to serum levels ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/615259))
Special Instructions
Only orderable as part of a profile, which includes the component tests ZNCU (zinc/creatinine ratio) and CRETR (creatinine, random, urine). Ordering guidance: for children younger than 10 years, order ZN_S (Zinc, Serum) instead; high concentrations of barium interfere—delay specimen collection until at least 96 hours post-barium contrast; use metals-free collection and transport as per 'Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport' document ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/615259))
Limitations
No significant cautionary statements beyond those related to specimen collection interference. The test was developed at Mayo Clinic under CLIA and is not FDA cleared or approved ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/615259))
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13473-4
- 2161-8
- 13473-4
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Clean, plastic urine collection container with no metal cap or glued insert; submission: plastic urine tube or clean plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Collection Instructions
Collect a random urine specimen; see Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions
Patient Preparation
If barium-containing contrast media has been administered, do not collect specimen for at least 96 hours
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |