Vitamins & minerals
Zinc blood test
A zinc blood test measures a mineral essential for immunity, wound healing, taste and smell, skin health and hormone function. A blood level is a reasonable guide, but zinc is affected by recent food and by any inflammation, so it's interpreted alongside your symptoms and diet.
- What it measures
- Zinc, a mineral for immunity, healing and hormones
- Sample
- Venous blood sample
- Fasting
- Preferred (a fasting morning sample)
- Also known as
- serum zinc, Zn
- Included in 57 Health tests
- 1 panel, from £150
Zinc reference range
Guide only| Category | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Adults | 11–18 µmol/L |
Blood zinc is an imperfect measure of total body zinc: it falls temporarily during infection or inflammation, and drops after eating, so a fasting morning sample is preferred. Sample handling also matters. Ranges vary by laboratory.
These are general UK adult guide ranges from public health sources, shown for orientation only. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, assay, age and sex, so your result is always interpreted against the range quoted by the analysing laboratory on your report.
What does a high zinc level mean?
A high zinc is uncommon and usually reflects supplements. Very high intake over time can interfere with copper absorption.
It's interpreted alongside any supplements you take and, if relevant, copper status.
What does a low zinc level mean?
A low zinc can cause a weakened immune response, slow wound healing, hair loss, skin problems, and a reduced sense of taste or smell.
Common causes include a low intake (including some vegetarian and vegan diets), gut conditions that reduce absorption, and high losses, though inflammation can also lower the blood level temporarily.
When to consider a zinc test
- Frequent infections or slow-healing wounds
- Hair loss or persistent skin problems
- A reduced sense of taste or smell
- A restricted diet or a gut absorption problem
- Checking a level before or after supplementing
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information about a blood marker and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. A zinc test screens and gives context; results are interpreted by a clinician alongside your symptoms, history and other markers. Always follow the guidance on your own report.