Zinc Serum (By Photometry)

Immunity

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Fasting Required

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Measures the concentration of zinc in the blood serum using photometric methods

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SERUM ZINC (By Photometry) - Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

Why is it done?
- Test measures the concentration of zinc in the blood serum using photometric analysis, which is essential for assessing zinc status and evaluating nutritional disorders
- Evaluate suspected zinc deficiency causing growth retardation, delayed wound healing, alopecia, dermatitis, diarrhea, and immune dysfunction
- Assess zinc toxicity in patients with excessive supplementation or occupational exposure
- Monitor nutritional status in total parenteral nutrition (TPN), malabsorption syndromes, and chronic liver disease
- Investigate immune system dysfunction and recurrent infections
- Support diagnosis of genetic disorders such as aceruloplasminemia or Wilson's disease
- Screen and monitor patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or chronic inflammatory conditions
- Typically performed during initial evaluation of malnutrition or as part of comprehensive micronutrient assessment
Normal Range
- Reference Range: 70-120 mcg/dL (10.7-18.4 μmol/L)
- Note: Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories depending on methodology and population studied
- Units of Measurement: mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) or μmol/L (micromoles per liter)
- Interpretation of Results:
- Normal (70-120 mcg/dL): Adequate zinc status; no clinical concern for deficiency or toxicity
- Low (<70 mcg/dL): Zinc deficiency; may indicate malnutrition, malabsorption, or increased losses
- High (>120 mcg/dL): Zinc toxicity or excess supplementation; may indicate occupational or accidental exposure
- Borderline Low (60-70 mcg/dL): May warrant clinical correlation and repeat testing; consider evaluation for risk factors
Interpretation
- Zinc Deficiency (<70 mcg/dL):
- Clinical manifestations include alopecia, dermatitis, diarrhea, impaired immune function, and poor wound healing
- Associated with growth retardation in children and adolescents
- May be secondary to malabsorption disorders (celiac disease, Crohn's disease), liver cirrhosis, or chronic diarrhea
- Acrodermatitis-like rash, especially perioral and perianal distribution, is pathognomonic for severe deficiency
- Zinc Excess (>120 mcg/dL):
- Acute toxicity may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Chronic excess can lead to copper deficiency, neurological symptoms, and decreased immune function
- May result from excessive supplementation, denture creams, or occupational exposure
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Diurnal variation: Zinc levels show circadian rhythm with higher levels in morning
- Seasonal variation: Levels may be higher in winter months
- Hemolysis of blood sample can falsely elevate results due to intracellular zinc release
- Contamination with metallic instruments during collection can cause false elevation
- Acute stress, inflammation, and infections can temporarily depress zinc levels
- Medications including ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, and corticosteroids can affect results
- Pregnancy and oral contraceptive use may lower serum zinc levels
- Clinical Significance:
- Zinc is a critical cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in metabolism, immunity, and protein synthesis
- Essential for thymulin function, T-cell development, and natural killer cell activity
- Required for collagen synthesis and proper wound healing
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems:
- Gastrointestinal tract: Primary site of zinc absorption; involved in malabsorption syndromes
- Liver: Storage organ and major regulator of zinc metabolism and homeostasis
- Immune system: Thymus, lymphoid tissue, and bone marrow require zinc for function
- Pancreas: Involved in insulin synthesis and glucose metabolism
- Skin: Affected in zinc deficiency with characteristic dermatitis and alopecia
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Genetic disorder affecting zinc absorption
- Celiac disease and Crohn's disease: Malabsorptive conditions causing zinc deficiency
- Liver cirrhosis: Impaired zinc storage and metabolism
- Wilson's disease: Copper-zinc imbalance affecting multiple organs
- Chronic kidney disease: Urinary zinc losses and altered metabolism
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Associated with zinc deficiency and impaired glucose control
- Sickle cell disease: Increased zinc loss and heightened requirements
- HIV/AIDS: Zinc deficiency contributing to immune dysfunction
- Complications of Abnormal Results:
- Severe deficiency: Opportunistic infections, sepsis, delayed wound healing complications
- Chronic excess: Copper deficiency with neurological manifestations, myelopathy
- Long-term deficiency: Stunted growth in children, sexual dysfunction, and age-related macular degeneration
Follow-up Tests
- Recommended Based on Low Zinc Results:
- Serum copper level: To assess copper status and rule out copper deficiency masquerading as zinc deficiency
- Serum albumin and total protein: To evaluate nutritional status and protein malnutrition
- Liver function tests: To assess hepatic synthetic function and metabolism capability
- Ceruloplasmin level: If Wilson's disease is suspected
- 24-hour urine zinc: To assess zinc losses and distinguish renal causes of deficiency
- Immunoglobulin levels and lymphocyte count: To assess immune system function
- Recommended Based on High Zinc Results:
- Serum copper level: To evaluate for secondary copper deficiency from zinc excess
- Ceruloplasmin: To further assess copper metabolism
- Neurological examination and EMG/NCS: If copper deficiency symptoms develop
- Further Investigations:
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: Electrolytes, renal function, glucose, and liver enzymes
- Tissue zinc by hair or nail analysis: Non-invasive assessment of long-term zinc status (research use)
- Gastrointestinal evaluation: Endoscopy or imaging if malabsorption syndrome suspected
- Genetic testing: If acrodermatitis enteropathica suspected
- Monitoring Frequency:
- During supplementation: Repeat testing 4-6 weeks after initiation, then at 8-12 week intervals
- For patients on TPN: Monthly monitoring of zinc levels
- Chronic disease management: Annual or as clinically indicated
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: NO - Fasting is NOT required for serum zinc testing
- Meal Timing Considerations:
- Patient may eat normally before the test; fasting does not affect zinc measurement
- However, timing of collection should be standardized when possible due to diurnal variation
- Morning collection (8-10 AM) preferred for consistent results
- Medications to Avoid:
- No specific medications must be discontinued; however, document all current medications
- Inform laboratory of zinc supplements being taken as this affects interpretation
- ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, and corticosteroids may affect results
- Patient Preparation Instructions:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easily accessible arm for phlebotomy
- Remain well-hydrated but avoid excessive water intake immediately before blood draw
- Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to testing as stress can affect zinc levels
- Arrive rested and relaxed; acute stress temporarily lowers zinc levels
- Collection must use zinc-free collection tubes and collection devices
- Avoid prolonged tourniquet application (>1 minute) to prevent hemoconcentration
- Advise laboratory of collection timing to ensure proper quality control

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