Hormone & Endocrine - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Red Blood Cell Zinc (RBC Zinc)

The Red Blood Cell Zinc Test measures zinc stored inside red blood cells, giving a more accurate picture of long-term zinc status than standard blood zinc tests. Adequate zinc supports immunity, hormone balance, metabolism, and healing, while low levels may lead to fatigue, poor immunity, and reproductive issues.This test is only available at Healius and 4Cyte collection centres.

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Red Blood Cell Zinc (RBC Zinc)

Experiencing frequent infections, slow wound healing, or skin issues and want accurate assessment of zinc status for immune function and cellular health?

Overview

Your red blood cells are like tiny storage units that hold onto zinc where your body actually uses it – inside your cells rather than just floating around in your bloodstream. The RBC Zinc test acts as your body's zinc detective, checking these cellular storage units to see if you truly have enough of this essential mineral. Unlike regular blood tests that only measure zinc in your serum (the liquid part of blood), this test looks inside your red blood cells where zinc does its real work supporting your immune system, healing wounds, and keeping your cells functioning properly.

This deeper look matters because your body is quite the master of disguise – it can keep zinc levels looking normal in your bloodstream even when your cells are running low, kind of like maintaining a good-looking storefront while the back warehouse is nearly empty. When your cellular zinc levels drop, you might notice frequent colds, wounds that heal slowly, hair loss, or skin issues. The RBC Zinc test helps catch these hidden deficiencies that standard tests might miss, making it especially valuable if you're dealing with recurring infections, following a vegetarian diet, have digestive issues, or want to make sure your zinc supplements are actually reaching your cells where they're needed most.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Frequent infections (more than 4 colds per year) Slow healing of cuts or wounds Adult acne or persistent breakouts Complete loss of taste Loss of smell

Purpose

Essential for individuals with immune dysfunction, wound healing issues, suspected zinc deficiency, or anyone needing accurate intracellular zinc assessment.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of all zinc supplements and medications that might affect zinc levels. Consider timing relative to recent supplementation.

Understanding results

Results show RBC zinc levels compared to optimal ranges. Low levels indicate cellular zinc deficiency requiring supplementation, while optimal levels suggest adequate intracellular zinc for immune function.

After the test

Address low RBC zinc through appropriate zinc supplementation, dietary improvements including zinc-rich foods, addressing underlying absorption issues, and regular monitoring to achieve optimal cellular levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • RBC zinc better reflects tissue stores and functional zinc status, as serum levels may not accurately represent cellular zinc availability for immune and metabolic functions.
  • Signs include frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, skin problems, poor appetite, altered taste or smell, and impaired immune function.
  • Causes include poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal disorders, vegetarian diets, certain medications, chronic diseases, and increased zinc requirements during growth or illness.
  • Daily requirements vary but generally range from 8-11mg for adults, with higher needs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, illness, or periods of rapid growth.
  • Good sources include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and fortified cereals, with animal sources being more bioavailable.
  • Yes, excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption, impair immune function, and cause other health problems, so appropriate dosing and monitoring are important.
Red Blood Cell Zinc (RBC Zinc)

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How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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