**Note: All laboratory testing requires an authorizing physician. DHA Laboratory offers a patient direct program that partners you with an authorizing physician. If you have any additional questions regarding the availability of testing, please contact our laboratory by telephone or email.**
Zinc Plasma is a measurement that is closely correlated to biochemistry, and more specifically brain chemistry. Functional levels of zinc, along with a copper/zinc ratio, are frequently performed as markers for specific neuro activity.
Zinc Plasma is also used to monitor exposure to zinc; evaluate suspected nutritional inadequacy, especially in enteral or parental nutrition, critically ill or burn patients; cases of diabetes or delayed wound healing; growth retardation; follow therapy.
“There are about 10 different approaches for measuring zinc status, and plasma testing has consistently been regarded by zinc experts as the best way to obtain meaningful results. The zinc concentration in blood serum is nearly identical, but this approach involves a greater likelihood of contamination during sampling.”
– William J. Walsh PhD., Nutrient Power: Heal your Biochemistry and Heal your Brain
Patient Preparation: A fasting specimen is preferred, but not required. Patients can fast for 12 hours prior to specimen collection. Supplements containing vitamins or minerals should be stopped 12-24 hours prior to your blood draw. Do not avoid supplements for longer than 24 hours. Sports drinks and energy drinks such as Redbull or Vitamin Water are known to contain levels of vitamins and minerals that would classify them as supplements. Please look at the vitamin and mineral information on your products. If they are considered a supplement, like Ensure, please discontinue them 12 hours prior to specimen collection.