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North West London Pathology > Tests > Selenium (Se)

Selenium (Se)

Category Biochemistry >> Trace elements
Test background

Selenium is an essential trace element. It is known to be an important cofactor in a variety of biological processes including: thyroid hormone production, antioxidants, glutathione pathway, immune response and mitochondrial function. Deficiency manifests as both Keshan syndrome, a cardiomyopathy prevalent amongst children and women, and Kashin-Beck disease, which causes osteoarthropathy primarily afflicting children. These conditions typically arise in selenium-restricted diets, such as secondary to long-term parenteral nutrition, or deficiency due to the presence of an inborn error of metabolism. Selenium has a low threshold of toxicity, commencing at approximately 10 times the dietary requirement.
Clinical Indications

- Suspected selenium deficiency, ie. patient on restricted diet such as total parenteral nutrition
- Assessment of toxicity: symptoms may include gastrointestinal symptoms, garlic breath, hair loss, neurological impairment, fatigue, cirrhosis and pulmonary oedema
Reference range

Serum / Plasma

0 – 18 months 0.33 – 0.97 µmol/L
18 months – 4 years 0.51 – 1.12 µmol/L
4 years – 19 years 0.60 – 1.29 µmol/L
19 years – 65 years 0.75 – 1.46 µmol/L
> 65 years 0.66 – 1.57 µmol/L
Sample & container required Serum: Trace element free (royal blue top) preferred, yellow top SST and red top serum accepted.
Sample volume 0.5 mL
Transport storage Stable at 2-8°C. Sample can be sent by first class post.
Turnaround time 1 week