Selenium, 24-Hour Urine
Use
Measurement of selenium excretion over a 24-hour urine collection provides assessment of selenium status and exposure. It is clinically useful to detect abnormal selenium levels, helping to evaluate nutritional status, potential toxicity, or possible deficiencies. This quantitative assessment assists healthcare providers in guiding nutritional interventions or investigating heavy metal exposure.
Special Instructions
This test is not available for New York patient testing. The specimen must be collected as a well‑mixed 24‑hour urine sample in an acid‑washed or metal‑free container. Avoid worksite collection. Use an acid‑washed plastic urine container for transport. A 2 mL aliquot is preferred; minimum volume is 1 mL. Specimen stability: room temperature 5 days; refrigerated 14 days; frozen 30 days.
Limitations
Specimens submitted in non‑trace element or non‑acid washed / non‑metal free containers may not accurately reflect selenium levels. Elevated results from improperly collected samples will be accompanied by a recommendation for resubmission with a trace element container. Performing only on specimens collected correctly in metal‑free containers. Limited to patients outside New York State.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3167-4
- 5727-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
2 mL aliquot of well‑mixed 24‑hour urine
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Acid‑washed plastic urine container (metal‑free)
Collection Instructions
Collect 24‑hour urine in acid‑washed or metal‑free container; avoid worksite collection; mix well
Causes for Rejection
Non‑trace element tube or non‑metal free container
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |