Zinc Blood Test - More Information

The zinc test, also known as a zinc lab test, zinc blood test and a zinc deficiency test, measures the zinc blood level.

Zinc is an important element found in dozens of enzymes in the body. Zinc is primarily stored in various organs and tissues and exerts its effects there. Zinc helps regulate nerve activity, manage body acidity by buffering carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and enable DNA transcription factors. Zinc is readily absorbable from the diet and is found in foods such as beans and seeds. Zinc is also important for wound healing, immune function and fetal development.

Low zinc levels, or zinc deficiency, are typically caused by poor intake. A zinc deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin and nail issues, hair loss, acne and memory loss. More severe consequences from low zinc levels include gastrointestinal upset, infertility, depressed immunity, mood disorders and growth issues. High zinc levels, or zinc toxicity, can cause copper and iron deficiencies and damage to the gastrointestinal lining.

To get a zinc test near you, order online and get your blood drawn at the selected Quest Diagnostics lab. Once the zinc lab report is ready, it will be available for download. No fasting is recommended before the zinc lab test. As can be seen on the sample zinc lab report above, the zinc blood level is reported as a number and can be compared to the reference range provided by the lab.

This zinc test measures the zinc blood level at a specific point in time. The zinc RBC test is more useful for measuring intracellular zinc levels which is a marker of long-term zinc stores. The zinc test is often ordered with the magnesium test for a snapshot of these important minerals. This zinc blood test is part of the more comprehensive mineral blood test panel.