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Selenium in Urine, Mass Concentration

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

This test measures the amount of selenium, a trace mineral, present in your urine. Selenium helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.

Quick summary

["Understanding your selenium levels through urine can help assess your body’s selenium status over time."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5726-5
Short code
Selenium Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
Selenium Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of selenium deficiency (such as fatigue or muscle weakness), if you’re at risk for selenium-related conditions, or as part of a broader evaluation for nutrient deficiencies or metabolic health.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely provide a random urine sample in a clean container. Avoid certain foods or supplements that might affect results (like selenium-rich foods) for 24 hours before testing, if instructed.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to general reference ranges for selenium in urine, but individual ranges can vary. High levels may indicate over-supplementation or certain medical conditions, while very low levels may suggest deficiency.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Elevated selenium in urine could be due to excessive intake from supplements or certain medications. Low levels may result from poor diet, malabsorption issues, or underlying health conditions affecting nutrient absorption.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Selenium

Frequently asked questions

Why might my urine selenium test be ordered if I don’t have obvious symptoms?
Your provider may use this test to assess overall selenium status, especially if you have risk factors like chronic kidney disease, malabsorption disorders, or certain genetic conditions. It can also help monitor selenium levels in patients receiving selenium supplements.
Can diet affect my urine selenium test results?
Yes, diet plays a role. Foods like seafood, nuts, and whole grains contain selenium. If you’re following a specific diet (e.g., vegetarian or vegan), your provider may recommend avoiding high-selenium foods for 24 hours before testing to get a clearer picture of your baseline levels.
What should I do if my urine selenium test results are outside the normal range?
If your results are low, your provider may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or further testing to identify the cause. If high, they may investigate potential over-supplementation or underlying conditions. Always discuss results with your healthcare team.
  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