This test estimates the concentration of zinc in a urine sample.

It gives a semi-quantitative result, which means it places the concentration within a band instead of reporting an exact number.

A healthcare professional can use the finding as part of an assessment of zinc status.

Possible signs include changes in taste or smell, poor wound healing, hair loss and reduced appetite. Symptoms vary with age and the severity of the deficiency.

Symptoms such as increased hair shedding can have other causes, so they do not establish a diagnosis. If you have persistent symptoms, speak to your GP about an assessment and appropriate testing.

No. The healthcare professional reads the result on site using the supplied colour card.

Read the result at 40 seconds after mixing the urine sample with the reagent.

This timing covers the reaction, so allow extra time for sample collection and preparation. Results read after two minutes are invalid.

These labels describe the zinc concentration in your urine according to this test’s colour card.

The manufacturer defines three bands:

• Low: below 0.40 µg/mL.
• Within the test’s reference range: 0.40 to 0.50 µg/mL.
• High: above 0.50 µg/mL.

These are the manufacturer’s interpretation bands for this particular test. They are not blood zinc reference ranges, and a result within the middle band does not establish that your overall zinc status is healthy.

No. A urine result alone cannot confirm zinc deficiency.

A clinician needs to consider your symptoms, dietary intake, supplements and relevant medical conditions. They may arrange a blood test to measure serum or plasma zinc before deciding on treatment.

An abnormal urine result should prompt interpretation and, where appropriate, further investigation.

The instructions do not specify a fasting period.

They do advise against testing immediately after taking zinc supplements or eating foods high in zinc, as this may produce a falsely high reading.

Follow the healthcare professional’s advice on when to provide your sample.

Yes. Zinc supplements and certain medicines can affect the result.

The instructions specifically name lisinopril, omeprazole, corticosteroids and oestrogen, as well as trace-element supplements. Tell the healthcare professional about everything you take, including multivitamins that contain zinc.

Do not stop prescribed medication to prepare for this test without speaking to your prescriber. The clinician should review the leaflet’s limitations and decide if this test is appropriate and how to time it.

Ask the healthcare professional who performed the test to explain the result and recommend any next steps.

A low reading is not, by itself, a reason to start zinc supplements. A high reading also needs context, including recent food intake, supplements and medication. Your clinician may recommend further testing before changing your treatment or diet.

Avoid taking high doses of zinc on your own. The NHS advises that excess zinc can reduce copper absorption, potentially causing other health problems.

If your result falls within the test’s reference range but symptoms continue, arrange a follow-up with a GP.