Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Zinc – Urine
Alias or Abbreviation:Urine Zn, 24 hour urine zinc excretion, urine zinc to creatinine ratio
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189: 2022 accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Zinc is an essential trace element, which is excreted in urine to a greater extent than copper.In Wilson’s Disease, zinc monotherapy or zinc combination therapy (with a chelating agent) can be utilised to block copper uptake and to eliminate excess copper. Here, measurement of urine zinc may be used to check compliance.
Otherwise, measurement of zinc in urine has limited applications, especially in assessing deficiency. It can be important in monitoring zinc loss in patients being treated with chelation for heavy metal poisoning and may be useful in assessing excessive zinc intake or in monitoring occupational exposure to zinc fumes.
Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:µmol/24 hours (24 hour collection)
nmol/mmol creatinine (spot urine)
Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL urine
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Test Code:24ZN (24 hour urine collection)
ZNRU (random urine)
Sample Type:
For monitoring of compliance with zinc therapy:24h urine collection in polypropylene collection container or acid-rinsed polyethylene container.
Specimens can be aliquoted into a plain white -top universal container prior to transportation.
24 hour collection period dates, time and total volume MUST be recorded.
'Spot' urine samples are not acceptable (unless in very young children).
Investigation of acute toxicity & occupational monitoring: Spot urine collected into a plain white -top universal container.
Complex Reference Range:24 hour urine zinc:
3 to 19 µmol/24hr
Random (spot) urine zinc to creatinine ratio:
Less than 1.5 µmol/mmol creatinine
Collection Conditions / Other Information:To aid interpretation of results, please include the following information on the request form:
If patient is on zinc therapy
Please note that a 2 mL urine sample is required to measure both urine copper and zinc.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Store separated plasma/serum at 4 °C prior to dispatch
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post
Sandwell Health Campus
Specialist Chemistry
Pathology Department
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ.
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Trace Elements
Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.
Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist,
SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Methodology:Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
