Selenium, Urine
Also known as: SE-U
Use
Urine selenium levels can be used to assess nutritional status and monitor excretion. Selenium deficiency can occur endemically or due to sustained TPN or restricted diets, which has been associated with cardiomyopathy and can exacerbate hypothyroidism. Selenium toxicity is relatively rare, but excess intake can lead to symptoms of selenosis including gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, white blotchy nails, and mild nerve damage.
Special Instructions
Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications upon recommendation of their physician. High concentrations of iodine may interfere with elemental testing, thus abstinence from iodine-containing medications or contrast agents for at least 1 month prior to specimen collection is advised.
Limitations
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including use of non-certified trace element-free containers. If contamination is suspected, confirmation with a specimen collected in a certified trace element-free container is recommended. The test's performance characteristics are determined by ARUP Laboratories and are intended for clinical purposes in a CLIA-certified laboratory.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 35674-1
- 2162-6
- 29917-2
- 5727-3
- 19153-6
- 30211-7
- 30927-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
8 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
24-hour or random urine collection in a plastic container. Transfer an 8 mL aliquot from a well-mixed collection.
Patient Preparation
Discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential medications as advised by a physician. Abstain from iodine-containing medications or agents for at least 1 month prior.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated; also acceptable at room temperature or frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Urine collected within 48 hours after administration of gadolinium (Gd) contrast media, acid-preserved urine, specimens contaminated with blood or fecal material, non-trace element-free containers (except original device).
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |