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General
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Clinical Use:
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Zinc deficiency retards growth and sexual development and produces dermatitis, reduced taste acuity, anaemia and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Clinical signs of acute zinc deficiency will not usually be found until levels fall below 10umol/L. Skin rash, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and loss of appetite and the senses of taste and smell are likely when levels remain below 5 umol/L. Iatrogenic causes of zinc deficiency include treatment with anabolic or metal-chelating drugs (corticosteroids, penicillamine) and synthetic diet therapies (TPN). Elevated serum zinc may occur in patients undergoing haemodialysis against a dialysate containing a large amount of zinc. Oral poisoning (uncommon) is caused by drinking from galvanized cans and produces fever and gastrointestinal distress. |
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Availability:
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Samples are batched and tested 3 times a week. |
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| Zn, |
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Code:
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ZN |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send separated sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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9 - 16 umol/L
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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Trace Element EDTA (NAVY), |
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Sample Type:
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See container |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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1.5mL |
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Collection Instructions:
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Sample must be centrifuged and separated prior to transport. |
Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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Processing Instructions:
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Centrifuge and separate sample. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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200uL |
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Stability:
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1 week chilled |
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send separated sample chilled. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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| Special Chemistry |
Biochemistry |
QEII Medical Centre |
6383 4114 |
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Last Updated : 14-10-2020 15:09 |