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RBC Zinc

The RBC (Red Blood Cell) Zinc test measures the concentration of zinc within red blood cells, providing a more accurate assessment of zinc levels inside the body’s cells compared to a standard serum zinc test. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cellular metabolism. Why we need zinc? Zinc is vital for numerous biological functions, including immune defense, protein synthesis, wound repair, and maintaining proper growth and development, particularly during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. It also supports normal sense of taste and smell and contributes to maintaining skin health. Indications for testing - Recurrent infections or weakened immune response - Poor wound healing or chronic skin conditions - Hair loss or brittle nails - Impaired taste or smell - Digestive issues or malabsorption syndromes - Suspected zinc deficiency due to chronic illness, poor diet, or prolonged stress - Conditions such as acne, dermatitis, or psoriasis - This test is often recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease, or for those undergoing long-term parenteral nutrition, as these conditions can lead to zinc deficiency. Serum vs. RBC Zinc A serum zinc test measures the amount of zinc in the blood plasma. However, similar to magnesium, the majority of zinc in the body is stored within cells, with only a small fraction circulating in the blood. Therefore, RBC zinc testing provides a more reliable indication of the body’s zinc status over time, particularly in detecting intracellular deficiency, which may not be evident in serum levels. How to prepare For the RBC Zinc test, patients are generally advised to fast for 8-12 hours before the blood draw to ensure more accurate results. It’s also important to avoid zinc supplements for at least 24 hours before the test unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider. Always follow specific preparation guidelines provided by your healthcare team.

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