Zinc (serum/plasma zinc)

What this test is

Zinc helps your immune system. It also helps wounds heal. Most people get enough zinc from food. Testing makes sense in a few cases. These include a gut problem that affects absorption. Weight-loss surgery is another reason to test. So is intravenous nutrition or regular high-dose zinc pills. A single zinc blood test can be thrown off easily. Recent meals, the time of day, and infections can all change the result. Because of this, results need careful reading alongside the full picture. If you have no clear risk factor, checking zinc at a general check-up is not usually needed. It may not give a clear answer anyway.