Selenium, Serum or Plasma

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR34674Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0025023CPT Code 84255

Selenium, Serum or Plasma

Also known as: SE S

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

This test may be useful in the assessment of recent selenium intake. Serum selenium levels can be used in the determination of deficiency or toxicity. Plasma and serum contain 75 percent of the selenium measured in whole blood and reflect recent dietary intake. Selenium deficiency can occur endemically or as a result of sustained TPN or restricted diets, and has been associated with cardiomyopathy and may exacerbate hypothyroidism. Selenium toxicity is relatively rare, but excess intake of selenium can result in symptoms consistent with selenosis, which include gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, white blotchy nails, and mild nerve damage.

Special Instructions

Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).

Limitations

Elevated results may be due to contamination from skin or other collection-related issues, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of serum/plasma selenium, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended. The test reflects recent dietary intake rather than long-term status.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

Selenium

Analyte

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

5724-0

Result Turnaround Time

1-3 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube

Collection Instructions

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer to ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube. Do not use utensils (i.e., syringes, needles) during transfer. Pour directly into the transport tube avoiding cellular components.

Patient Preparation

Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).