Fasting Required: No Specimen: Plasma (Preferred) or Serum Results: 4-5 business days Description: Zinc is necessary for proper immune and brain functioning. Deficiency symptoms include: irritability, fatigue, depression, poor appetite, and poor sense of taste and smell. Methodology: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) or Atomic Spectroscopy (AS) Clinical Significance: Zinc is an essential element involved in a myriad of enzyme systems including wound healing, immune function, and fetal development. Zinc measurements are used to detect and monitor industrial, dietary, and accidental exposure to zinc. Also, zinc measurements may be used to evaluate health and monitor response to treatment.