Reagent | Zinc

Superior Performance & Unique Tests Brochure

Benefits of the Randox Zinc Assay

Excellent correlation

A correlation coefficient of r=0.9946 was displayed when the Randox method was compared against other commercially available methods.

Excellent precision

The Randox zinc assay displayed a within run precision of <3.87%.

Liquid ready-to-use

The Randox zinc assay is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use.

Standard supplied with the kit

The standard is supplied with the zinc kit, simplifying the ordering process.

Controls available

Controls available offering a complete testing package.

Applications available

Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox zinc assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.

Ordering Information

Cat No	Size
ZN2341	R1 1 x 50ml (S) (L) R2 1 x 250ml with Deproteinisation	Enquire	Kit Insert Request	MSDS	Buy Online
ZN2607	6 x 50ml (L) Deproteinising Solution	Enquire	Kit Insert Request	MSDS	Buy Online
(L) Indicates liquid option (S) Indicates standard included in kit

Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.

Physiological Significance

Zinc (ZN) is an essential trace element (micronutrient) and plays a vital role in several biological processes 1. ZN is released from food as free ions during digestion. Specific transport proteins facilitate the passage of ZN across cell membranes into circulation. 70% of circulatory ZN is bound to albumin 2. As ZN does not attain redox properties, it is capable of transportation around the biological systems without inducing oxidative damage, which can occur with other essential trace elements like copper 3.

ZN has a key role in growth, reproduction, sexual maturity and the immune system. ZN is vitally important in the functionality of >300 enzymes utilised in the stabilisation of DNA and gene expression 1. ZN can constitute strong, yet readily available flexible and exchangeable, complexes with organic molecules, enabling it to modify the three-dimensional structure of specific proteins, nucleic acids, and cellular membranes, thereby influencing the catalytic properties of many enzyme systems and intracellular signalling. ZN is associated with >50 metalloenzymes with a diverse range of functions and so ZN plays a central role in metabolism, differentiation and cellular growth 3.

Deficiency

Zinc deficiency has been identified as a malnutrition issue worldwide. ZN deficiency is more prevalent in areas of low animal consumption and high cereal consumption. It’s not that the diet is low in ZN but more so the bio-availability of ZN which plays a major role in its absorption. Phytic acid has been identified as the main inhibitor of ZN. Adolescents, children, infants, lactating women and pregnant women have increased requirements for ZN and so are at higher risk of zinc depletion. During growth periods, ZN deficiency causes growth failure. The organs most affected by ZN deficiency include: central nervous system, epidermal, gastrointestinal, immune, reproductive and skeletal systems ².

Toxicity

As there are multiple sources of ZN in the environment, exposure to and toxicity from ZN are not uncommon. Case reports have documented zinc toxicity caused by: overuse of dietary supplements, inhalation from occupational sources, denture cream and ingestion of pennies, to which some of these cases had fatal outcomes 4.

It is believed that ZN toxicity from acute exposure differs significantly from chronic toxicity. In acute exposures, ingestions of ZN sulfate and concentrated ZN chloride will primarily result in gastrointestinal symptoms, such as haematemesis. Renal injury, liver necrosis, coagulopathy and even death have been reported following acute exposures 4.

Chronic exposure caused by excessive consumption of ZN, resulting in copper deficiency can lead to myelodysplastic syndrome, granulocytopenia and sideroblastic anaemia 4.