Zinc - urine

Last updated: Wednesday, 31, March, 2004

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Item Process
Specimen

24 hour urine collection with HCl as preservative using a zinc free container.

Method

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Reference Interval

8-11 µmol/24 hours.

Application

Zinc deficiency or toxicity.

Interpretation

Zinc excretion gives an indication of the loosely bound or exchangeable zinc in the body but does not necessarily reflect body stores.

Urinary zinc excretion is increased in an acute phase response and in other catabolic states.

Reference

Prasad AS. Annu Rev Nutr 1985; 5: 341-363.

Tapiero H and Tew KD. Biomed Pharmacother 2003; 57(9): 399-411.