Zinc
| Category | Biochemistry Biochemistry >> Trace elements |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Zinc is an essential trace element, stored mainly in muscle. Approximately 80 % of circulating zinc is present in the red cells. Zinc is a component of many enzymes, required for transcription factors, antioxidant function, immune system, respiration and neurological function, and is crucial for normal growth and maturation. |
| Clinical Indications |
Suspected deficiency: symptoms include mouth ulcers, a characteristic rash, alopecia, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, with depression and lethargy; classically seen in a high phytate diet. There is increased risk of zinc deficiency in elderly, alcoholic, critically ill patients, burns, excessive/prolonged gastrointestinal losses and high phytate diets. Rare inborn errors e.g. acrodermatitis entropathica Monitoring of nutritional requirements for patients receiving parenteral nutrition or after bariatric surgery |
| Reference range | See Report |
| Sample & container required | Serum: Trace element free (royal blue top). Standard blood tubes are often contaminated with zinc and are not acceptable.Urine: Sterile universal 24 hour collection |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL |
| Transport storage | Stable at 2-8oC. Sample can be sent by first class post. |
| Turnaround time | 1 week |
| Notes | Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay. |