Zinc, Urine Test in Washington DC

This page explains the zinc, urine test, what it measures, and how to arrange it. A zinc, urine test measures how much zinc is leaving your body in urine over a set period, usually 24 hours. It is ordered when a clinician suspects too little or too much zinc, or wants to check how well zinc is being absorbed and retained. This page covers the zinc, urine test for people in Washington DC, in Mid-Atlantic, from what it measures to how to arrange a draw.

Sample type
urine
Category
Vitamin & Mineral
Turnaround
1-3 business days
Price
$129
Referral
Not required

A zinc, urine test measures how much zinc is leaving your body in urine over a set period, usually 24 hours. It is ordered when a clinician suspects too little or too much zinc, or wants to check how well zinc is being absorbed and retained.

What it measures

  • Urine zinc concentration — The amount of zinc in the collected urine sample.
  • 24-hour zinc excretion — Total zinc passed in urine over a full day, which reflects body stores and losses.
  • Creatinine (sometimes included) — A substance used to check whether the urine collection was complete and properly timed.
  • Collection volume — Total urine volume, needed to calculate the total amount of zinc excreted.

Who it is for

The test is usually ordered by a clinician evaluating suspected zinc deficiency or excess, poor wound healing, unusual hair loss, or symptoms that may relate to mineral imbalance. It may also be used to monitor people receiving zinc supplements or long-term intravenous nutrition.

Preparation

No fasting is usually required. For a 24-hour collection, you discard the first urine of the day, then collect all urine for the next 24 hours, keeping the container refrigerated or as instructed by the lab.

Results and what they mean

Results are reported as the amount of zinc in the urine, often as micrograms per 24 hours or per gram of creatinine. Reference ranges vary by lab, so your clinician interprets the number alongside your diet, symptoms, and other tests. This is general information, not medical advice; discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Requesting the Zinc, Urine Test in Washington DC

Order online, choose a certified collection site in Washington DC, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. With a continuous band of cities and boroughs where a collection lab is seldom far away, it pays to schedule your collection in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for this test?

Fasting is generally not required. Follow any specific instructions from your lab or clinician.

Why collect urine for 24 hours?

Zinc levels in urine change through the day, so a full-day collection gives a more reliable picture than a single sample.

Can diet affect the result?

Yes. Recent zinc-rich foods or supplements may raise urine zinc, so tell your clinician about your diet and any supplements.

What happens if my result is outside the range?

Your clinician will consider the result with your history and may order other tests. Only a healthcare professional can interpret what it means for you.

Zinc, Urine Test by city in Washington DC

All testing in Washington DC →   Full Zinc, Urine Test guide →