Selenium

Clinical Biochemistry

Background Information

Trace element analysis including selenium (Se) is not routinely indicated in the healthy population. Selenium levels are requested whenever a deficiency or toxicity is suspected due to the medical history or clinical signs and symptoms.

Plasma selenium concentration is a good index of recent (months) changes in intake or exposure to the element, however, selenium is a negative acute phase reactant and concomitant measurement of CRP may be helpful in as an aid to interpreting low levels.

For patients on TPN, selenium should only be measured at baseline if there is a risk of deficiency (see NICE guidelines CG32) and then further testing is dependent on this initial result.

Patient Preparation

No specific patient preparation is required.

Sample Requirements

For adults, 6 ml of blood taken into a trace element tube:

For children and neonates, a minimum of 1 ml taken into a Teklab trace element tube:

Storage/transport

Do not store. Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory the same day.

Required Information

Relevant clinical details.

Turnaround Times

The samples are sent to a referral laboratory for analysis, with results expected back within 2 weeks.

Reference Ranges

Ranges and interpretation reported as provided by referral laboratory.

Further Information

NICE Guidelines: Nutrition support in Adults 2006 http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG32

To learn more about trace elements visit Lab Tests Online

Page last updated: 30/10/2025 | Page last reviewed: 30/10/2025