NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
Zinc, Serum
- No pre-approval needed
- NUlirt Order: ZINCS
|
| Method: |
ICP-MS |
| Availability: |
- Thursday
- If received by 9:00 AM, reported within 24 hours
|
| Specimen: |
Serum |
| Collection Device: |
- Royal Blue Tube (No additive)
- Draw blood using metal free materials, syringe, test tube, and stopper
- Specimen Preparation:
- Allow blood to clot for 30-40 minutes (no longer than 60 minutes)
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 2400 rpm
- Pour serum into polyethylene tubes or metal free tubes
|
| Volume: |
- Optimum: 0.5 mL
- Minimum: 0.2 mL
|
| Unacceptable: |
Patients that have recently had a procedure involving barium intake |
| Specimen Stability: |
- Ambient air (15°-25° C) up to 28 days
- Refrigerated (2°-8° C) up to 28 days
- Frozen (-20° C) up to 3 months
|
| Reference Interval: |
60-120 µg/dL |
| Comments: |
- No fasting or special diets are required
- Presence of barium will give elevated values
- Diet, medication and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances
- Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals and non-essential over-the-counter medications (Upon the advice of their physician)
|
| Revised: |
10/24/2025 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.
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