Blood

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.

Preferred Minimum: 2.0 mL plasma from royal blue K2 EDTA tube
Absolute Minimum: 0.5 mL plasma from royal blue K2 EDTA tube

Specimens collected in containers other than specified. Specimens transported in containers other than specified. Hemolyzed specimens.

1-3 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

60.0-120.0 μg/dL

Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of serum/plasma zinc, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.

Circulating zinc concentrations are dependent on albumin status and are depressed with malnutrition. Zinc may also be lowered with infection, inflammation, stress, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. Zinc may be elevated with zinc supplementation or fasting. Elevated zinc concentrations may interfere with copper absorption.

Patient Preparation: Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Upon the advice of their physician, patient should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications for one week prior to sample draw.

Royal Blue K2 EDTA tubes (trace metal tubes) are available from Specimen Control, 6240 RCP, 356-3527.

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry

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