Selenium Test For Person's Nutritional Status

A Selenium Test is a type of blood test that assesses the concentration of selenium, a vital mineral, in the bloodstream, providing insights into a person's nutritional status. It helps ensure one's selenium levels are within a healthy range for proper bodily function.

 

Selenium Test

Here are the basic details of the Selenium Test.

Test Name	Selenium Test
Also Known As	Selenium Blood Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measure Selenium Levels in Blood
Sample Type	Blood Sample
Preparation	None
Fasting	Not Required
Gender	All
Age Group	All
Normal Value	70 - 150 mcg/L
Reporting Time	1-3 Days
Cost	2500-5000 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Selenium Test Means

The Selenium blood test measures the concentration of selenium in a person's blood.

• Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant defense.
• This test helps assess an individual's selenium status and whether they have an adequate level in their system.
• Results are typically reported as micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) or another appropriate unit of measurement.
• Abnormal levels may indicate selenium deficiency or excess, which can have health implications.
• The test is used to guide nutritional recommendations and manage selenium-related health issues.

 

Selenium Test Purpose

The purpose of the Selenium Test is to:

• Measure selenium levels in the blood.
• Assess selenium status and nutritional adequacy.
• Detect selenium deficiency or excess.
• Guide dietary and supplementation recommendations.
• Monitor patients with selenium-related health concerns.
• Promote overall health and antioxidant defense.

 

Selenium Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Selenium Test.

 

Before Test

• Typically, fasting is not required.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any supplements or medications taken.
• Understand the test's purpose and potential outcomes.

 

During Test

• No specific actions are needed during the test.

 

After Test

• Follow any post-test instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Discuss the results with the healthcare provider.
• Be prepared to make dietary or supplementation adjustments if necessary.

 

Selenium Test Procedure

Here is the basic Selenium Test Procedure.

• The Selenium Blood Test begins with the collection of a blood sample, typically from a vein in the arm.
• The collected blood is processed to isolate the serum, which contains selenium.
• The laboratory then uses various analytical techniques, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, to measure the selenium concentration.
• Test results are reported in micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) or another appropriate unit.
• The procedure helps assess a patient's selenium status and guide nutritional recommendations.
• Accurate results are crucial for maintaining overall health and antioxidant defense.

 

Selenium Test Result

Here is the basic reading of the Selenium Test results.

• Review the numerical value in the test report, indicating the selenium concentration.
• Ensure the value falls within the reference range provided on the report.
• If the result is within the reference range, it suggests adequate selenium levels.
• Abnormal results outside the range may indicate selenium deficiency or excess, requiring further evaluation and potential dietary adjustments.

 

Selenium Test Abnormal Result Report

Selenium Abnormal Test Report :

Selenium Test Abnormal Result Report

 

Selenium Test Normal Result Report

Selenium Normal Test Report :

Selenium Test Normal Result Report

 

Selenium Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Selenium Test.

Selenium Test	Normal Range
Selenium Levels	70 - 150 mcg/L

 

Selenium Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Selenium Test.

Normal Range	Interpretation
< 70 mcg/L	Indicates selenium deficiency.
70 - 150 mcg/L	Within the normal range.
> 150 mcg/L	May indicate excess selenium, which could have health implications.

 

Selenium Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of high selenium levels in the Selenium Test.

Potential Causes	Description
Excessive Selenium Intake	Consuming too many selenium-rich foods or supplements can lead to elevated levels.
Environmental Exposure	Living in areas with high selenium content in soil and water, can increase exposure.
Occupational Exposure	Certain occupations, like mining or manufacturing, may lead to selenium exposure.
Kidney Dysfunction	Impaired kidney function can result in reduced selenium excretion, leading to high levels.
Selenium-Containing Medications	Some medications contain selenium and may contribute to elevated levels.
Overuse of Selenium Supplements	Excessive use of selenium supplements can lead to high selenium levels.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management if you suspect high selenium levels.

 

Selenium Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of low selenium levels in the Selenium Test.

Potential Causes	Description
Inadequate Dietary Intake	Insufficient consumption of selenium-rich foods in the diet leads to deficiencies.
Malabsorption Disorders	Conditions affecting nutrient absorption in the digestive system may result in low selenium levels.
Gastrointestinal Surgery	Surgical procedures on the gastrointestinal tract can interfere with selenium absorption.
Chronic Illness or Infections	Prolonged illnesses or infections may deplete selenium levels in the body.
Parenteral Nutrition	Certain forms of intravenous nutrition may lack selenium, contributing to deficiencies.
Soil and Food Source Deficiency	Regions with low soil selenium content may lead to selenium-deficient crops and livestock, affecting dietary intake.

Low selenium levels can have health implications, and it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and potential supplementation if deficiency is suspected.

 

Specimen Requirements For Selenium Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Selenium Test.

Specimen	Whole blood
Volume	2 ml
Container	Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube; submit original tube.
Collection	Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection.
Storage	Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	14 days
	Refrigerated	14 days
	Frozen	14 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x3
Causes for Rejection	Clotted specimen

 

Selenium test is Safe?

The Selenium Test is safe as it utilizes a standard blood sampling method conducted by trained professionals.

• The procedure is generally low-risk, with common side effects being minimal, such as mild discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site.
• It is a safe and widely used diagnostic test to assess selenium levels for health and nutritional purposes.

 

When Do You Get Selenium Test Results? 

• Selenium Test results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the specific laboratory's turnaround time.
• Patients can expect to receive their test results from their healthcare provider once the analysis is concluded.

 

Selenium Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of the Selenium Test.

• Results may not reflect acute selenium exposure or recent dietary changes.
• Does not assess the body's ability to utilize selenium effectively.
• Limited to measuring selenium concentration in blood and not other body tissues.
• May not identify the cause of selenium deficiency or excess.
• Interpretation may vary based on individual factors such as age, gender, and health status.

 

Selenium Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Selenium Test.

• Risk factors may include recent dietary changes, supplements, or medications.
• Underlying health conditions or infections can affect selenium levels.
• Variation in regional selenium content in food and water sources.
• Factors like age, gender, and overall health can influence selenium status.
• Inaccurate results may arise from improper sample handling or analysis.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Selenium Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Selenium Test.

est Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to See Doctor
High	Specialist Doctor	Evaluate and manage high selenium levels.
Normal	General Practitioner	Discuss results for context.
Low	Dietitian	Evaluate and manage selenium deficiency.

 

Selenium Test Price

Here are the estimated Selenium Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	2500-5000
New Delhi	2700-5000
Bangalore	2500-5000
Hyderabad	2700-5000
Kolkata	2500-5000
Pune	2700-5000
Lucknow	2500-5000
Noida	2700-5000
Surat	2700-5000
Gurugram	2500-5000
Patna	2700-5000
Chennai	2500-5000
Jaipur	2700-5000
Ahmedabad	2500-5000

*Selenium Test Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

 

Summary

Overall, Selenium Test is essential for maintaining overall health and guiding nutritional recommendations, particularly for its role in antioxidant defense. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Selenium Test - Lab Test Org UK [1].
• Selenium Test - Labcorp [2].