Zinc blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Zinc is a trace mineral that the body cannot store in large amounts, so it needs a regular supply from food such as meat, shellfish, dairy, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. It supports the immune system, wound healing, growth, the sense of taste and smell, healthy skin and hair, and fertility. It is also part of many enzymes that drive chemical reactions in cells.

This test measures zinc in the blood. Blood zinc does not perfectly reflect total body stores, and it can fall temporarily during infection or inflammation, so it is best interpreted alongside your diet, symptoms and markers such as albumin and CRP.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You follow a vegan, vegetarian or otherwise restrictive diet.
• You have a digestive condition such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
• You have slow wound healing, frequent infections, hair thinning or a change in taste.
• You drink alcohol heavily or have had weight-loss surgery.
• You take zinc supplements and want to check you are not taking too much.

Understanding your result

A low zinc can reflect low intake, reduced absorption, losses through the gut or kidneys, alcohol, or a temporary dip during illness or inflammation. Low albumin can also lower the measured level, since much of the zinc in blood is carried by albumin. A raised zinc is uncommon and is usually linked to high-dose supplements; long-term excess zinc can lower copper levels.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A result outside it is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Zinc levels vary through the day and dip after meals, so a morning appointment before breakfast gives the most reliable result. Stop zinc supplements and zinc-containing multivitamins for at least 24 hours beforehand unless your doctor advises otherwise. Try to book when you are free of colds and other infections, and tell us about any medicines you take.

Zinc is part of the Nutritional and Digestive Health check, which looks at vitamins, minerals and digestion together, and of Omnia Signature. You can also view every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a zinc blood test in Chiswick?

A zinc test costs £79. This includes your sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast before a zinc test?

It is recommended. Zinc falls after eating, so a morning sample before breakfast gives a more consistent result.

Can an infection affect my zinc level?

Yes. During infection or inflammation, zinc moves out of the blood into tissues, which can make the level look low for a while.

Can I take too much zinc?

Yes. High doses taken over a long period can cause side effects and lower copper levels, so it is worth checking before continuing a high-dose supplement.