Selenium
| 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 |
| Reference range | See Report |
| 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 |
| Notes | Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay. |