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Selenium

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6149, Beaker: XSE, Mayo: SES

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

High concentrations of gadolinium, iodine, and barium are known to interfere with most metals tests. If gadolinium-, iodine, or barium-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Royal Blue-top tube with no additive.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a metal free transport tube within six hours of collection. Maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.8 mL serum, at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not in metal-free transport tubes
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated. 

In-Lab Processing

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a metal free transport tube within six hours of collection. Maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Transport: 0.8 mL serum, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 28 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 28 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 28 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available in 1-3 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Selenium is an essential constituent of glutathione peroxidase and deficiencies have been linked to increased risk of cancer. There is also evidence that selenium is essential for normal thyroid metabolism. A recent report claims a link between selenium and HIV, wherein selenium depletion increases the rate of virus replication and speeds the development of full-blown AIDS in infected individuals. Acute selenium overdose is associated with hair and nail loss, dermatitis, tooth decay, and neurological symptoms. The selenium assay is used for the therapeutic monitoring of selenium replacement therapy and toxicity assessment of selenium.

CPT Codes

84255

Contacts

Last Updated

10/8/2023