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Zinc
Test Code: ZIN
Tube type: Trace Element
Other acceptable tube types
Paediatric SST sample (yellow), Lithium heparin (green push cap) are acceptable for children.
Special instructions
Samples should be separated in the laboratory within 6 hours of collection.
Sent away
to Southmead Hospital (NBT), Bristol
Reference range
0 - 64 years old: 10 - 20, 65 years old +: 9 - 20
Units
µmol/L
Turnaround Time
9
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Acute inflammatory response causes rapid decrease in zinc concentration. Consider appropriateness of request if CRP is significantly elevated (e.g. if CRP 100-200 mg/L, there may be a 40-60% decrease in serum zinc concentration).
Zinc results should be interpreted alongside albumin and CRP results.
Webpage updated: February 2026.
