Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 10-12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify autoimmune diabetes when other antibody tests are negative
- Distinguish type 1 from type 2 diabetes with 94% specificity
- Screen family members for diabetes risk without doctor visits
- Detect LADA in adults with atypical diabetes presentation
- Prevent DKA complications through early intervention and diagnosis
- Save costs compared to traditional healthcare settings
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with newly diagnosed diabetes needing type classification
- Family members of type 1 diabetes patients assessing risk
- Individuals with unexplained weight loss and diabetes symptoms
- Adults with gestational diabetes who may have autoimmunity
- People requiring insulin therapy determination in adult-onset diabetes
- Those seeking presymptomatic screening for autoimmune diabetes
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor's visit or insurance required
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at convenient location
- Get results - Secure online results in 10-12 business days
FAQ
What does this test detect? The test identifies antibodies attacking zinc transporter 8 protein in insulin-producing pancreatic cells, indicating autoimmune diabetes.
How accurate is the ZnT8 antibody test? The test shows 94% specificity and 62% sensitivity for type 1 diabetes detection (Nature Scientific Reports, 2017).
Can I have diabetes without ZnT8 antibodies? Yes, only 60-80% of type 1 diabetes patients have ZnT8 antibodies, so negative results don't rule out diabetes.
What if my result is positive? Positive results suggest autoimmune diabetes and warrant consultation with an endocrinologist for further evaluation and management.
How does ZnT8 compare to other diabetes antibodies? ZnT8 is the only detectable antibody in 8.4% of type 1 diabetes cases, catching diagnoses other tests miss.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The ZnT8 Antibody Test detects autoimmune activity against insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. Using ELISA technology, this blood test identifies antibodies targeting the zinc transporter 8 protein found specifically in pancreatic beta cells. ZnT8 antibodies serve as crucial biomarkers for diagnosing autoimmune diabetes, particularly when other antibody tests may be negative (Mayo Clinic Laboratories, 2025).
This test helps distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, evaluate diabetes risk in family members, and identify late-onset autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) who might otherwise be misdiagnosed. Including ZnT8 testing increases diabetes autoantibody detection rates from 67.6% to 76% in mixed populations (Nature Scientific Reports, 2017).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from ZnT8 antibody testing if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and need to determine whether it's type 1 or type 2. This test is particularly valuable for adults with atypical diabetes presentation who may have LADA rather than type 2 diabetes.
Family members of type 1 diabetes patients can use this test to assess their autoimmune diabetes risk, especially if they have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, or frequent urination. The test also benefits individuals with gestational diabetes who may have underlying autoimmunity and those requiring determination of future insulin needs in adult-onset diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2024).
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering the ZnT8 Antibody Test when you need to determine your specific diabetes type, especially if you're an adult recently diagnosed with diabetes. Order this test if you're experiencing classic diabetes symptoms including unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue.
You should also consider testing if you have family members with type 1 diabetes and want to assess your risk, or if you're an adult with diabetes who may need insulin therapy. The test is recommended when other diabetes antibody tests are negative but autoimmune diabetes is still suspected (JDRF International Consensus, 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
≤15.0 U/mL (Negative)
- What it means: No ZnT8 autoimmunity detected
- Typical action: Consider other antibody tests
>15.0 U/mL (Positive)
- What it means: Autoimmune diabetes likely
- Typical action: Endocrinologist consultation recommended
Borderline results
- What it means: Uncertain autoimmune status
- Typical action: Repeat testing or additional antibodies
Positive ZnT8 antibodies combined with other diabetes antibodies significantly increase diagnostic certainty for type 1 diabetes.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
A positive result (>15.0 U/mL) indicates the presence of ZnT8 antibodies and suggests autoimmune diabetes (type 1 or LADA). However, negative results don't completely rule out type 1 diabetes since not all patients produce these specific antibodies. Results should always be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, other diabetes antibody tests, and glucose levels (ARUP Laboratories, 2025).
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required for the ZnT8 Antibody Test. You can eat normally before your appointment and continue taking your regular medications unless specifically directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Stay well-hydrated before your blood draw to make the collection process easier. The test requires a simple blood draw that takes just a few minutes. Your sample will be processed using standardized laboratory procedures with results available through your secure online account within 10-12 business days.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diabetes diagnosis: One-time test for classification
- Family history screening: Every 2–3 years if negative
- Presymptomatic monitoring: Annually if multiple antibodies present
- LADA evaluation: One-time test typically sufficient
For most individuals, ZnT8 antibody testing is performed once for diabetes classification purposes. However, family members of type 1 diabetes patients may benefit from periodic screening every 2-3 years if initial results are negative. Those with multiple autoantibodies may require more frequent monitoring as recommended by their endocrinologist.
Why early detection matters
Early detection of autoimmune diabetes through ZnT8 antibody testing can prevent life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which costs an average of $7,142 per hospitalization (2 Minute Medicine, 2013). Identifying type 1 diabetes early allows for prompt insulin therapy initiation and appropriate diabetes management education.
For presymptomatic individuals, positive ZnT8 antibodies indicate increased risk for developing type 1 diabetes, with 87.1% of positive individuals progressing to diabetes in research studies (NCBI, 2021). Early identification enables close glucose monitoring, lifestyle interventions, and participation in prevention trials that may delay or prevent disease onset.
Related tests you may consider
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) Autoantibody Blood Test - Detects autoantibodies that target insulin-producing pancreatic cells to help confirm the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and evaluate the need for insulin treatment.
Antipancreatic Islet Cells Serum Test - Detects antipancreatic islet cells in a blood sample to help confirm the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and evaluate the need for insulin treatment.
Diabetes #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel - Measures various markers in your blood to assess your risk of developing or monitoring your diabetes.
