Concerned about frequent infections, slow wound healing, changes in taste or smell, or wondering if your zinc levels support optimal immune function and cellular health?
The Zinc Blood Test measures levels of zinc, an essential mineral needed for immune function, wound healing, hormone balance, and metabolism. Low zinc can lead to poor immunity, skin problems, and fertility issues, while high levels may indicate excessive supplementation or exposure.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
Think of zinc as your body's ultimate multi-tool – a mineral that's quietly working overtime in more than 300 different processes to keep you healthy and functioning at your best. Just like a master craftsman needs the right tools for quality work, your immune system, wound healing, and cellular repair processes all depend on having adequate zinc to do their jobs properly. This essential mineral acts as a gatekeeper for your immune system, helping your white blood cells fight off infections, while also supporting everything from your senses of taste and smell to healthy skin and reproductive function.
Here's the tricky part: your body can't store zinc like a savings account, so you need a steady supply from foods like meat, seafood, and nuts to maintain optimal levels. A zinc test reveals whether you're getting that sweet spot balance, because both too little and too much can cause problems. Low zinc levels can leave you with a sluggish immune system, slow-healing cuts, dulled taste and smell, or even affect growth and development, while excess zinc can actually backfire and interfere with other important minerals like copper. Testing helps ensure you're in that "just right" zone where your body's master craftsman has all the tools needed to keep you healthy and thriving.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Zinc Blood Test
Essential for anyone with frequent infections, slow wound healing, or compromised immune function. Important for vegetarians, vegans, older adults, pregnant women, and people with digestive disorders. Valuable for those with skin conditions, fertility issues, or anyone wanting to optimize immune health and cellular function.
Frequent infections (more than 4 colds per year)
Slow healing of cuts or wounds
Adult acne or persistent breakouts
Hair falling out in clumps
Complete loss of taste
Loss of smell
Delayed wound healing
Changes in taste or smell
Skin that feels tight or rough
Chronic skin itching without visible rash
Bald patches or circular hair loss
White spots on fingernails
Metallic taste in mouth
Everything tastes salty or bitter
Phantom smells
How to prepare
Fasting for 8-12 hours recommended for most accurate results. Avoid zinc supplements for 24 hours before testing unless specifically advised otherwise. Morning collection preferred as zinc levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Avoid contamination from zinc-containing items like certain bandages or topical preparations before testing.
Understanding results
Normal range: 12-20 μmol/L (80-130 μg/dL). Deficient: <12 μmol/L; Adequate: 12-20 μmol/L; High: >20 μmol/L. Low levels may indicate dietary deficiency, malabsorption, chronic illness, or increased requirements. High levels are rare but can occur with excessive supplementation and may interfere with copper absorption.
After the test
If levels are low, discuss zinc supplementation and dietary changes with your healthcare provider. Identify and address underlying causes such as malabsorption, inadequate dietary intake, or increased requirements. Monitor for improvement with follow-up testing. If levels are high, review supplementation and assess for potential copper deficiency. Regular monitoring may be needed during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, loss of taste or smell, poor appetite, skin problems, and in children, growth retardation. Severe deficiency can significantly impair immune function.
Yes, zinc-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters), nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, plant-based sources have lower bioavailability, so vegetarians may need higher intakes.
Zinc is essential for proper immune cell development and function. It helps white blood cells fight infections, supports wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant. Even mild deficiency can significantly impair immune response.
Yes, excessive zinc (usually from supplements) can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and copper deficiency. Long-term high intake may impair immune function and HDL cholesterol levels.
High-dose iron supplements, calcium, certain medications, phytates in grains and legumes, and chronic digestive conditions can reduce zinc absorption. Coffee and tea may also interfere if consumed with zinc-rich meals.
With appropriate supplementation, zinc levels typically improve within 2-4 weeks, with clinical symptoms often improving within 1-2 weeks. Follow-up testing helps ensure adequate repletion.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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