Newcastle Laboratories

Selenium, Se

Clinical Background:

Selenium is an essential trace element and is a cofactor for numerous enzymes, such as the glutathione peroxidase family of enzymes. Measurement of selenium in serum is used to give an indication o...

Selenium is an essential trace element and is a cofactor for numerous enzymes, such as the glutathione peroxidase family of enzymes. Measurement of selenium in serum is used to give an indication of body selenium status. Selenium deficiency is usually caused by severely compromised intestinal function, total parenteral nutrition and gastrointestinal bypass surgery. Selenium is a negative acute phase reactant and therefore serum levels should be assessed at least two weeks after the acute phase has subsided.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Biochemistry

    Biochemistry

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Serum trace element tube

    Navy blue top with red-striped label

    Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI sites

    Serum trace element tube

    Navy blue top with red-striped label

    Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI sites

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Serum trace element tube; Navy blue top with red-striped label - preferred sample

    White top plain tube (glass)

    Serum trace element tube; Navy blue top with red-striped label - preferred sample

    White top plain tube (glass)

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    1 mL blood

    1 mL blood

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 mL blood

    1 mL blood

  • Special Requirement:

    Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for analysis.

    Transport to laboratory immediately for rapid separation of serum from red blood cells. 

    Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for analysis.

    Transport to laboratory immediately for rapid separation of serum from red blood cells. 

  • Sample Stability:

    Serum samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.

    Serum samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.

  • Transport Requirements:

    Ambient temperature.

    Ambient temperature.

  • Quality Assurance:

    Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements

    Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements

  • Reference Ranges:

      Age

    Selenium (µmol/L)

      <7 days

    0.33 – 0.97

      7 days to 5 months

    0.51 – 1.12

      5 months to 1 year

    0.60 – 1.29

      >1 year to 14 years

    0.75 – 1.46

      >14 years

    0.6...

      Age

    Selenium (µmol/L)

      <7 days

    0.33 – 0.97

      7 days to 5 months

    0.51 – 1.12

      5 months to 1 year

    0.60 – 1.29

      >1 year to 14 years

    0.75 – 1.46

      >14 years

    0.66 – 1.57

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  • Factors Affecting Result:

    Failure to adhere to correct specimen collection procedures can cause abnormal results due to specimen (dust) contamination, which can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis.

    Failure to adhere to correct specimen collection procedures can cause abnormal results due to specimen (dust) contamination, which can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis.

  • Routine Contact Name:

    Contact: Duty Biochemist

  • Routine Telephone:

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

  • Routine Email:

  • Specialist Test:

    Yes

    Yes

Availability:

Available during full access hours

Assayed as service demands

Site of analysis: Freeman

Turn Around:

Within 2 weeks

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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