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Selenium in Hair: Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of selenium, a trace mineral, in your hair. Hair selenium testing can help assess your body’s selenium status over time.

Quick summary

["Hair selenium testing provides a long-term snapshot of your selenium levels, useful for monitoring deficiencies or excesses."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
29499-1
Short code
Selenium Hair-mCnt
Synonyms
Selenium Hair-mCnt
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of selenium deficiency (such as fatigue, hair loss, or muscle weakness) or if you’re at risk for selenium imbalance. It may also be used in research or specialized nutritional assessments.

How the Test Works

A small sample of your hair is collected and sent to a lab. The lab analyzes the selenium content using a specialized technique (likely high-performance liquid chromatography or a similar method) to determine the mass concentration in your hair.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll simply provide a hair sample, often by cutting a small section from the back of your head or a designated area.

What the Results Mean

Hair selenium levels can reflect your body’s long-term selenium intake or absorption. While reference ranges vary by lab, lower levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels could signal excess intake or metabolic issues.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Selenium is an essential mineral that supports immune function, thyroid health, and antioxidant protection. Hair selenium testing can help identify deficiencies that may not be detected by blood tests alone, especially in cases where dietary intake is inconsistent. It’s also used in research to study selenium status in chronic conditions.

Short name

Hair Selenium Level

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results typically take 1–2 weeks, depending on the lab’s processing time. Follow-up with your provider if you have questions about your results.
What does a low hair selenium level mean?
A low hair selenium level may suggest poor dietary intake, malabsorption issues, or other health factors affecting selenium status. Your provider may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or further testing to address it.
Can hair selenium testing replace blood selenium tests?
Hair selenium testing provides a broader picture of long-term exposure but isn’t a direct measure of your current blood selenium levels. Blood tests are often used for immediate assessment, while hair testing can complement them for ongoing monitoring.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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