Zinc, Serum

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Includes 1 Parameter
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Rs.2200
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Sample Type
  • Blood
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Test Code
#AI048
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Fasting
No
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Report within
10 Days

The zinc serum test, also called the serum zinc test, measures the amount of zinc circulating in your bloodstream. Zinc is a vital mineral that supports immunity, growth, wound healing, metabolism, skin health, and hormone balance. Low zinc levels can lead to poor appetite, hair loss, slow healing, frequent infections, and poor growth in children.

In India, zinc deficiency is common due to dietary habits, gastrointestinal diseases, recurrent infections, and poor absorption. The zinc blood test is an important tool to diagnose nutritional deficiencies early and guide treatment.

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Why is the Zinc, Serum Test Done?

Doctors recommend the zinc level test when they suspect zinc deficiency, nutritional imbalance, or chronic illness affecting absorption.

Common medical reasons include:

  • Frequent bacterial or viral infections
  • Poor wound healing
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Malabsorption disorders (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
  • Skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, or rashes
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Stunted growth in children
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Monitoring zinc supplementation
  • Poor diet or long-term parenteral nutrition

Conditions detected:

  • Zinc deficiency
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Chronic liver or kidney disorders
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Excess zinc (rare but possible with supplementation)
Serum zinc reflects recent dietary intake, so doctors may also order RBC zinc for long-term status in some cases.
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Who Should Get the Test?

A clinician may suggest the zinc deficiency test if symptoms or risk factors suggest poor zinc levels.

You may need the test if you have:

  • Weak immune system
  • Slow healing cuts or woundsReduc
  • ed appetite
  • White spots on nails
  • Recurrent infections
  • Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks
  • Poor concentration or fatigue
  • Vision or taste disturbances

High-risk groups in India:

  • Children with growth delay
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Elderly individuals
  • Vegetarians with low dietary zinc intake
  • People with chronic digestive diseases
  • Individuals with eating disorders
  • Patients with diabetes or liver disease
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How to Read the Results?

Serum zinc levels are typically reported in µg/dL or µmol/L

General interpretation guidelines:

Serum Zinc Level Interpretation What It Means
70;120 µg/dL Normal Adequate zinc status
< 70 µg/dL Low Zinc deficiency; clinical symptoms likely
> 120 µg/dL High Excess supplementation or rare disorder

Low zinc levels may indicate:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Malabsorption
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • Chronic infections
  • High stress or inflammation
  • Long-term TPN (IV nutrition)

High serum zinc may be due to:

  • Supplement overdose
  • Contaminated blood draw (metal contact)
  • Industrial exposure
Your doctor may request supporting tests such as copper, magnesium, iron, liver function, or RBC zinc levels.
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What to Ask the Doctor?

Ask your healthcare provider the following:

  • What does my serum zinc measurement mean?
  • Do I need to change my diet or take supplements?
  • Should I also test for copper or other minerals?
  • Are my symptoms linked to zinc deficiency?
  • How often should I repeat this test?
  • Can my medications interfere with zinc absorption?
  • Do I need additional nutrient tests?
How our test process works!
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STEP 01
Identity Verified at Every Step
Verified identity at every step to eliminate sample mix-ups
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STEP 02
Sterile, Barcoded Collection
Sterile, barcoded collection to maintain sample integrity
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STEP 03
Expert-Led Sample Collection
Trained professionals ensuring safe, accurate, and comfortable collection

FAQs To Help You Know Better

What is the zinc serum test used for?
It measures zinc levels in the blood to detect deficiency, toxicity, and metabolic disorders.
Is fasting required?
Fasting for 8-12 hours can improve accuracy, but it’s not mandatory unless your doctor advises.
What symptoms suggest zinc deficiency?
Hair loss, poor immunity, loss of taste, slow wound healing, and poor appetite.
Can children undergo this test?
Yes. Children with growth issues or frequent infections often need zinc testing.
Can supplements affect the results?
Yes. High zinc intake can raise levels-inform your doctor before the test.
Is zinc deficiency common in India?
Yes, especially in children, elderly persons, vegetarians, and people with digestive disorders.
How long does the test take?
Most labs provide results within 24-48 hours.
What foods improve zinc levels?
Nuts, seeds, beans, dairy, eggs, whole grains, meat, poultry, and seafood.
Can low zinc cause hair loss?
Yes. Zinc deficiency is a known cause of hair thinning and weak hair roots.
Do I need to avoid metal contact before the test?
Yes, avoid zinc-containing creams or supplements right before the test.
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