Ordering Recommendation

Zinc concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) reflect the intracellular stores and general homeostasis of zinc. For assessment of deficiency over short periods of time, refer to Zinc, Serum or Plasma (0020097). For acute toxicity, Zinc, Urine (0020462) may be a more reliable indicator of exposure.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Royal blue (K2EDTA) or Royal blue (NaHep).

Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge whole blood and separate RBCs from plasma within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL RBCs to an ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube (ARUP supply #43116) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 0.6 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimens collected in tubes other than Royal blue (K2EDTA) or Royal blue (NaHep). Specimens transported in containers other than Royal blue (K2EDTA) or Royal blue (NaHep) tube or Trace Element-Free Transport Tube. Clotted or grossly hemolyzed specimens.

Remarks
Stability

After separation from plasma: Ambient: 2 weeks; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-4 days

Reference Interval

794.0-1470.0 mcg/dL

Interpretive Data

Zinc concentrations in RBCs reflect the intracellular stores and general homeostasis of Zinc. Results may be falsely low if RBCs in the submitted specimen are lysed or not promptly separated from plasma.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.

Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

84630

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
3003759 Zinc, RBCs 5761-2
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Intracellular Zinc
  • ZnRBCs
Zinc, Red Blood Cells