Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Zinc, Serum

This test is for
Male, Female

Understanding Zinc, Serum


What is Zinc, Serum?

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements required by the body to perform vital functions like maintaining the immune system. It also helps in cell division and monitors wound healing, growth and development in children, and sexual development and reproduction. A deficiency of zinc in the body may lead to various physical ailments, and your body may show symptoms like frequent infections, diarrhea, or a reduced sense of smell and taste. A zinc test helps assess any deficiency of zinc which helps diagnose and treat any identified deficiencies. Also, this test helps monitor zinc exposure, delayed wound healing, growth retardation in children and therapies like oral zinc therapy, which is given to control excessive levels of copper(Wilson’s disease).

What is Zinc, Serum used for?

The Serum Zinc Test is performed:

·         To determine the levels of zinc in the serum to determine deficiency

·         To monitor treatment for zinc deficiency



What does Zinc, Serum measure?

Zinc is a mineral which is a micronutrient (required by the body in small amounts). It has a number of essential roles in the body. Zinc is a structural component of a number of proteins. It is essential in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, for cell division, and is necessary for proper enzymatic activity. It is also essential in the proper functioning of the immune system and in wound healing. Zinc is essential for proper physical and mental growth and development of children. It is also essential for the senses of taste and smell.

Zinc is absorbed primarily from dietary sources. It is transported in the serum bound to proteins, namely, albumin and alpha-macroglobulin. Excess zinc is disposed out of the body primarily through the feces, and a small amount through urine and sweat. The absorbed amount of zinc is utilized by almost all the cells of the body but is not stored anywhere in particular.

Interpreting Zinc, Serum results


Interpretations

Normal range:

Males: 75 to 291µg/dL

Females: 65 to 256µg/dL



Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zinc, Serum


Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc, Serum

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Serum Zinc Test?

Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of Serum Zinc Test is not normal?

Other tests that may be prescribed upon appearance of abnormal result in the Serum Zinc Test include: · Metabolite Panel Test · Blood Iron Tests · Blood Albumin Test

Q. What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include: · Skin conditions like acne, eczema, etc. · Reduced healing of wounds · Ulcers in mouth · Disrupted sense of smell and taste · Night blindness · Impaired immune system · Diarrhea · Loss of appetite · Impaired growth · Improper cognitive development · Irritability · Lethargy · Reduced testosterone production

Q. What are the symptoms of zinc overload?

Symptoms of zinc overload include: · Body ache · Burning sensations in various parts of the body · Cough · Rash · Fever with chills · Metallic taste in mouth · Very low to no urine output · Low blood pressure · Convulsions · Collapse · Shortness of breath · Vomiting · Watery or bloody diarrhea · Yellowing of the eyes and skin

Q. What factors can cause zinc deficiency?

Apart from insufficient consumption in diet, zinc deficiency may be caused by the following: · Malabsorption of zinc · Alcoholism · Sickle cell anemia · Chronic diarrhea · Chronic kidney disease · Chronic liver disease · Diabetes · Pancreatic diseases · Celiac Disease · Crohn's disease · Ulcerative colitis · Cancer · Acrodermatitis enteropathica: A rare genetic condition which impairs zinc absorption from food

Q. What are some food sources rich in zinc?

The zinc content in non-vegetarian food is rich. Zinc is also found in food from plant sources, but this zinc is available in reduced quantity after absorption. Some food items rich in zinc are: · Oysters · Meat · Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) · Fish · Seafood · Beans · Almonds · Cashew nuts · Peas
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