and often by a lack of available electricity. Off-site analyses require continuous cold storage (logistically difficult) during international shipping ,can take up to a week for results ,and cost tens of dollars each,which is prohibitive for the required
epidemiological-scale measurements.This suggests that a lowtech, inexpensive, and easy assay for zinc deficiency could be
valuable to help policymakers and non-governmental organizations pinpoint the populations most needing the limited treatment resources.