Zinc, RBC

CPT Code: 84630
Order Code: 6354
ABN Requirement: No
Specimen: Red blood cells; see collection instructions
Volume:  0.5 mL
Minimum Volume:  0.3 mL
Container:
     Preferred: EDTA trace metal-free (Royal Blue top) Tube
     Alternative: EDTA (Lavender Top) Tube, Sodium Heparin (Royal Blue Top) Tube, Sodium Heparin lead-free (Tan Top) Tube, Sodium or Lithium Heparin (Green Top) Tube

Collection:

Red blood cells collected in trace-metal free tube: Centrifuge to separate plasma from RBCs and discard plasma. Use the EDTA royal blue-top trace metal evacuated tube for RBC testing.

Red blood cells collected in other tubes: Centrifuge to separate plasma from RBCs and discard plasma. Transfer RBCs to a plastic transfer vial, from a Quest Diagnostics trace element and metal free collection kit.

Collection Instructions: Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid hemolysis. Avoid worksite collection.

Fasting: Fasting is not required.

Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 10 days
Frozen (-20°C): Not Acceptable

Causes for Rejection: Improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; clotted; moderate hemolysis

Methodology: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Turn Around Time:  4 to 6 days

Reference Range:

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.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.