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Laboratory Information

Test Name

Zinc

Synonyms

External Price (excl. GST)

23.32

Specimen Collection

Adult Specimen

4 mL blood. K2EDTA Trace element tube (navy blue top). Trace element tubes with either heparin or no additive are also acceptable.

Specimen Collection and Transport Protocols

Must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection. Haemolysis must be avoided.

Paediatric Specimen

A full micro EDTA tube

Instructions for Referral to Waikato Lab

Aliquot instructions

If sending from an outside laboratory specimen must be sent separated. Plasma must be separated from Trace Element tube within 2 hours of collection.

Test Information

Department

Biochemistry

Test Availability

Mon -Fri, 0800-1630

Laboratory Turnaround Time

3 days

Method

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Unit of measurement

µmol/L

Reference interval

9.0 - 17.0 umol/L The reference interval quoted is for non-fasting, random samples. Values are slightly higher for fasting, morning samples (10.7 - 18.3 umol/L). As zinc is highly protein-bound, calculation of an adjusted zinc level is appropriate for hypoproteinaemic patients: Adjusted Plasma Zinc = plasma zinc x (77/Total protein g/L)

Uncertainty of measurement

10%

Additional Information

Plasma copper may be measured on the same sample.

Minimum Volume

1mL plasma

Electronic Information

Registration Code

ZIN

HL7 mapping code

$ZIN

Laboratory Test Reference Guide