Selenium (Blood)

Hormone/ Element

Report in 12Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Trace element analysis.

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Selenium (Blood) - Comprehensive Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Measures blood selenium levels to assess nutritional status and evaluate for selenium deficiency or toxicity
- Evaluates patients with symptoms of selenium deficiency including weakness, muscle pain, hair loss, and joint stiffness
- Assesses antioxidant defense system function, as selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidase production
- Monitors patients with thyroid disease, as selenium supports thyroid peroxidase enzyme function
- Investigates chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and immune dysfunction
- Evaluates potential selenium toxicity in patients with excessive supplementation or environmental exposure
- Assesses nutritional status in patients with malabsorption disorders, chronic kidney disease, or on long-term parenteral nutrition
Normal Range
- Normal Range: 70-150 μg/L (micrograms per liter) or 0.89-1.90 μmol/L (micromoles per liter)
- Some laboratories may use slightly different reference ranges: 95-165 μg/L or 60-170 μg/L depending on measurement methods and population studies
- Result Interpretation: • Low (<70 μg/L): Indicates selenium deficiency requiring intervention • Normal (70-150 μg/L): Adequate selenium levels for normal physiologic function • High (>150 μg/L): Possible excess selenium intake or selenium toxicity • Critical High (>300 μg/L): Concerning for selenium toxicity requiring medical evaluation
- Selenium status varies geographically due to soil selenium content and dietary intake patterns
Interpretation
- Low Selenium (<70 μg/L): • Indicates selenium deficiency with reduced antioxidant defense capacity • Associated with decreased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity • Linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk, immune dysfunction, and thyroid problems • May cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections
- Normal Selenium (70-150 μg/L): • Indicates adequate selenium status for optimal physiologic function • Supports proper thyroid hormone metabolism and selenoprotein synthesis • Provides sufficient antioxidant protection • Generally associated with normal immune function and cardiovascular health
- High Selenium (150-300 μg/L): • May indicate excessive supplementation or high dietary intake • Possible early signs of selenium toxicity • May be associated with mild symptoms or subclinical effects • Requires evaluation of intake sources and consideration of reducing supplementation
- Critical High Selenium (>300 μg/L): • Indicates selenium toxicity (selenosis) • Associated with hair loss, nail brittleness, garlic odor on breath, and dermatitis • Can cause neurological symptoms including tremor and peripheral neuropathy • Requires immediate reduction of selenium intake and medical intervention • May indicate accidental or intentional excessive supplementation or environmental exposure
- Factors Affecting Results: • Dietary intake (meat, fish, nuts, whole grains are rich sources) • Geographic location and local soil selenium content • Medications and supplements containing selenium • Gastrointestinal absorption disorders • Liver and kidney disease affecting selenium metabolism • Smoking status • Age and sex variations
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved: • Thyroid gland - selenium essential for thyroid peroxidase and deiodinase enzyme function • Immune system - selenium required for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production • Cardiovascular system - selenium supports antioxidant protection of blood vessels • Liver - primary organ for selenium metabolism and storage • Kidneys - involved in selenium excretion and reabsorption
- Associated Conditions with Low Selenium: • Hashimoto's thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid disease • Graves' disease • Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis • Weakened immune function and recurrent infections • Keshan disease (endemic cardiomyopathy in selenium-deficient regions) • Kashin-Beck disease (osteoarthritis in selenium-deficient areas) • Infertility and reproductive dysfunction • Cancer risk (preliminary evidence) • Chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders
- Associated Conditions with High Selenium/Toxicity: • Selenosis (chronic selenium toxicity) • Alopecia (hair loss) and nail brittleness • Dermatitis and skin lesions • Peripheral neuropathy • Garlic breath odor and metallic taste • Tremor and neurological dysfunction • Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbance
- Risk Factors for Abnormal Selenium Levels: • Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption syndromes (Crohn's disease, celiac disease) • Cystic fibrosis • Chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients • Total parenteral nutrition without adequate selenium supplementation • HIV/AIDS • Cancer cachexia • Excessive supplementation or dietary sources
Follow-up Tests
- Tests Recommended for Low Selenium Levels: • Thyroid Function Panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) - assess thyroid status • Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies - evaluate for autoimmune thyroiditis • Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) Activity - measure antioxidant enzyme function • Complete Blood Count - assess for infections or immune dysfunction • Lipid Panel - evaluate cardiovascular risk factors • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - assess liver and kidney function • Vitamin E and other antioxidant markers - evaluate overall antioxidant status
- Tests Recommended for High Selenium Levels: • Liver Function Tests (AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) - assess hepatic function • Renal Function Panel (BUN, Creatinine) - evaluate kidney function • Urinalysis - detect urinary abnormalities from toxicity • Complete Blood Count - assess for any hematologic effects • Hair or Nail Analysis - evaluate for selenium accumulation • Electrolyte Panel - monitor for metabolic disturbances
- Monitoring and Follow-up Frequency: • For Deficiency (after supplementation): Repeat testing in 8-12 weeks to assess response • For Toxicity: Repeat testing in 4-6 weeks after reducing selenium exposure • Chronic Conditions: Annual monitoring recommended for at-risk populations • Thyroid Disease: Repeat selenium level with thyroid panel every 6-12 months • Malabsorption Disorders: Every 6 months or when clinical changes occur
- Complementary Tests: • Zinc Level - evaluate other trace mineral status • Iron Studies - assess for other micronutrient deficiencies • Vitamin D, B12, Folate - screen for common deficiencies • Mineral Panel (Copper, Magnesium, Calcium) - comprehensive micronutrient assessment • Inflammatory Markers (CRP, ESR) - assess inflammation in autoimmune conditions
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No Fasting is not required for the selenium blood test. The test can be performed on a random blood sample at any time of day.
- Sample Collection: • A blood sample is collected by venipuncture into a labeled test tube • Typically 5-10 mL of blood is required • Sample should be handled carefully to prevent contamination • Special metal-free or trace element collection tubes may be required (check with laboratory)
- Pre-Test Instructions: • No fasting required • Can eat and drink normally before the test • No need to discontinue medications unless otherwise instructed by physician • Inform laboratory personnel of any selenium supplements or medications being taken • Inform healthcare provider of any recent supplementation changes
- Medications and Supplements: • No medications need to be discontinued for this test • Continue taking all regular medications as prescribed • Report all selenium supplements to the healthcare provider and laboratory • Disclose multivitamins and mineral supplements containing selenium • Inform provider about recent changes in supplementation
- Additional Preparation: • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy blood draw access • Stay well-hydrated before the test to improve blood flow • Avoid excessive stress or strenuous activity immediately before collection • Inform phlebotomist of any history of fainting or difficulty with blood draws • Request sitting or reclining position if prone to dizziness • Allow 10-15 minutes after collection before resuming normal activities

How our test process works!