Selenium/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that compares selenium with creatinine to help assess selenium levels and urinary excretion.
["This ratio helps evaluate selenium status while accounting for how concentrated the urine sample is."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110349-8
- Short code
- Selenium/Creat Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Selenium/Creat Msmt Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures selenium and creatinine in a urine sample. The selenium-to-creatinine ratio adjusts the selenium result for urine concentration, which can vary with fluid intake.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate selenium exposure or nutritional status. It may be used in people with low or excessive selenium levels, certain occupations, or exposure to supplements, foods, or industrial sources containing selenium.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory to measure selenium and creatinine. The laboratory then calculates the selenium-to-creatinine ratio. Your clinician will determine whether a single sample or a timed collection is appropriate.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. If timed urine collection is required, collect all urine for the specified period and keep the container tightly closed and refrigerated if instructed. Your clinician will advise you about selenium supplements and other exposures before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low ratio may be associated with inadequate selenium intake or poor selenium status, although diet and other factors can influence the result. A high ratio may indicate increased selenium exposure or, less commonly, impaired processing or elimination of selenium. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, diet, supplement use, and other laboratory tests.
Short name
Urine selenium-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the selenium-to-creatinine ratio show?
Should I stop taking selenium supplements before this test?
Does an abnormal result mean I have a selenium deficiency or toxicity?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy