Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Zinc: What Does This Test Measure?

The Zinc test measures zinc status related to immune function, wound healing, growth and enzyme activity.

Test summary

Test name: Zinc
Abbreviations: Zn
Category: Trace Minerals
Panel: Micronutrient Evaluation
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mcg/dL, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

The Zinc test measures zinc status related to immune function, wound healing, growth and enzyme activity.

Why is the test ordered?

Ordered when trace-mineral deficiency or excess is suspected, with malabsorption or in selected clinical contexts; timing and inflammation can affect some measurements.

Information about a low result

A low result can be associated with inadequate intake, malabsorption or other clinical conditions; serum/plasma levels do not always perfectly reflect total-body stores.

Information about a high result

A high result can be associated with supplements, high exposure or altered metabolism; the result alone is not a diagnosis of toxicity.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 80 – <= 120 mcg/dL

Population: Healthy people
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Sourced example reference interval for Zinc

This is a sourced example reference interval; laboratory, method, age and clinical context can change the range. The user's own report takes priority.

Reference context 2

< 70 mcg/dL

Population: Healthy women
Sex: Female
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Sourced threshold indicating inadequate zinc status

This is a sourced clinical-context threshold and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report and clinical context take priority.

Reference context 3

< 74 mcg/dL

Population: Healthy men
Sex: Male
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Sourced threshold indicating inadequate zinc status

This is a sourced clinical-context threshold and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report and clinical context take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Trace-mineral results should be interpreted with sampling conditions, inflammation, diet and related proteins/elements.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

Vitamin A and Carotenoids – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2025 · Serum/plasma retinol and deficiency thresholds · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Zinc – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2026 · Serum/plasma zinc status, typical concentrations and sex-specific inadequate-status cutoffs · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Copper – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2022 · Copper biology, deficiency and zinc-copper interaction · Verified: Aug 12, 2026