This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, slow wound healing, or hair loss. It helps identify zinc deficiency, which can affect your immune system, skin health, and overall energy levels. Many people use this test when they suspect their diet may not be providing enough zinc or when they have symptoms that point to nutritional imbalances.
How should I prepare for this test?
No fasting is needed for this test, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Simply schedule your blood draw at a convenient time, and the lab will collect a small blood sample to measure zinc levels inside your red blood cells.
What's included in this test?
This test measures zinc levels inside your red blood cells, which provides a more accurate picture of your long-term zinc status compared to serum zinc tests. Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division, making it crucial for fighting infections, maintaining healthy skin and hair, and supporting energy production. Measuring zinc in red blood cells helps identify true zinc deficiency that might be missed by other testing methods.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your zinc levels mean for your immune function, energy, and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, supplement suggestions, and lifestyle adjustments to optimize your zinc status. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your zinc levels over time using our trends feature to see how your nutritional interventions are working.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is ideal for people experiencing frequent infections, slow wound healing, unexplained hair loss, or skin issues like acne. It's also important for vegetarians and vegans who may have lower zinc intake, people with digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone taking medications that may deplete zinc levels.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common signs of low zinc include frequent colds or infections, slow healing of cuts or wounds, unexplained hair loss or thinning, white spots on fingernails, and poor appetite or changes in taste or smell. You might also experience skin problems like acne or rashes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or delayed growth in children.
How can I naturally support healthy zinc levels?
Eating zinc-rich foods is the best way to maintain healthy levels, including oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Soaking beans and grains before cooking can improve zinc absorption, and pairing plant-based zinc sources with protein can help your body absorb it better. Limiting excessive alcohol consumption and managing stress through adequate sleep and exercise also support zinc retention in the body.
What is zinc and why does it matter?
Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for hundreds of enzyme reactions, immune system function, wound healing, and DNA production. It plays a crucial role in fighting infections, maintaining healthy skin and hair, supporting your sense of taste and smell, and even helping with hormone production. Since your body can't store zinc long-term, you need a steady supply from your diet or supplements to stay healthy.
What does low zinc mean?
Low zinc levels in red blood cells indicate your body doesn't have enough of this essential mineral for optimal function. This can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, slow down wound healing, cause hair loss or skin problems, and contribute to fatigue and poor concentration. Low zinc can result from inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, chronic illness, or certain medications.
How often should I retest my zinc levels?
If you're found to be zinc deficient and start supplementation or dietary changes, retesting in 3-6 months helps confirm your levels are improving. Once your zinc levels are optimized, annual testing is generally sufficient for monitoring unless you have ongoing health conditions, digestive issues, or dietary restrictions that may affect zinc absorption. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing based on your individual situation.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.
Long story short:
In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want.
If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
[email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
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Demo results
Zinc RBC8.2 mg/L
Demo results
LowOptimal 10.0 - 14.0High
8.2 mg/L
What this means
Your zinc levels in red blood cells are below the optimal range, which may be affecting your immune function and overall health. Low zinc can contribute to frequent infections, slow wound healing, fatigue, and hair loss, so addressing this deficiency can help improve these symptoms.
Recommended actions
Include more zinc-rich foods like oysters, red meat, poultry, pumpkin seeds, and cashews in your diet
Consider a zinc supplement (15-30 mg daily) after consulting with a healthcare provider
Improve zinc absorption by eating protein-rich foods and avoiding excessive fiber at the same meal
Retest in 3-6 months after making dietary changes or starting supplementation
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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Blood Test for Immune Health and Nutritional Zinc Levels