Selenium in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of selenium, a trace mineral important for overall health, in your blood serum.
["Selenium helps support immune function, thyroid health, and antioxidant protection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87453-7
- Short code
- Selenium Spec-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Selenium Spec-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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for selenium deficiency, monitor selenium levels in conditions like autoimmune diseases, or evaluate selenium toxicity. It can also be part of a broader nutritional assessment or to monitor treatment responses.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if serum is collected early in the morning. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they may affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are the Results?
Results are reported as a mass concentration (typically in micrograms per deciliter, µg/dL). Your results will be compared to reference ranges provided by your healthcare provider, who will interpret them in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low selenium levels may indicate malnutrition, malabsorption issues, or certain medical conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. High levels could suggest selenium toxicity, especially from supplements or prolonged exposure to high doses. Monitoring selenium levels helps prevent deficiencies or excesses that could impact health.
Short name
Selenium Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can I take supplements before my test?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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