Lab Test

Zinc, 24-Hour Urine

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6857, Beaker: XMISC, Mayo: ZNU

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

High concentrations of barium are known to interfere with this test. If barium-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.

  • The use of blood testing is recommended for children younger than 10 years of age.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): 24-hour urine sample with no preservative.
Keep 24 hour urine specimen iced or refrigerated during collection.

  • Include start and end dates and times for the collection period on the specimen container.
Urine Preservative Options
No Preservative
6N Hydrochloric Acid
Boric Acid (10g)
Sodium Carbonate
50% Acetic Acid
Acceptable
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Unacceptable
Acceptable

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Entire 24-hour urine collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

Random urine specimens.

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated. 

In-Lab Processing

Measure total volume of 24-hour urine specimen. Record total volume and collection start and end dates and times in the LIS system. Aliquot 8.0 mL from the well-mixed 24-hour urine collection into a metal-free transport tube. (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 28 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 28 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 28 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday, Thursday.
Results available in 2-5 days. 

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

Zinc is predominantly eliminated in the feces. Elevated urine zinc may suggest excessive zinc supplementation but should be interpreted with a corresponding serum zinc concentration.

CPT Codes

84630
LOINC:  5763-8

Contacts

Last Updated

7/21/2024

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