Zinc

ZINC, whole blood
B-Zn KL 2636

Zinc plays a role in almost all metabolic events in the body. It participates in the function of several enzymes in the body, and is thus an essential trace element in e.g. growth. Zinc is needed to protect cellular structures as antioxidant. Lack of zinc may cause increased susceptibility to infections.

Indications

Monitoring intake or exposure to trace elements. Diagnostics of zinc deficiency. 

Sample

5 mL of lithium or sodium heparin blood. Mix the sample well. The tube must not contain any clots. Take trace element samples last in order to cleanse the sampling needle of possible trace element residues. If this is the only test requisition, first take one extra tube. 

No fasting is needed. No trace element supplements 12 hours before sampling. The result is normalised to whole blood haematocrit (Hkr) value (B-PVK). The client should determine the haematocrit prior to shipping the sample and write the result on the test requisition. The Hkr is essential for interpretation of results. Without a measured Hkr value, standard Hkr is used.

Storage and delivery

Ship at room temperature on sampling day (shipping Mon-Thu). Store frozen over the weekend, ship at room temperature.

Method

ICP-MS

Reference ranges

women 63 – 106 µmol/L (Hkr 0.39)
​men 67 – 112 µmol/L (Hkr 0.42)

The Hkr value affects the reference ranges. The same sample can be used to measure Cu, K, Mg, Mn, P and Se.

Inquiries

martin.tornudd@mineraalilaboratoriomila.fi