Test library
Selenium Excretion Test
A selenium urine test measures selenium excreted in urine, which can be used to assess deficiency or monitor occupational exposure to the mineral. Selenium supports antioxidant enzymes and normal thyroid function.
Order Selenium Urine Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Selenium Urine Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $179
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The selenium urine test measures how much selenium is being excreted in urine. Selenium is a trace mineral that supports antioxidant enzymes and thyroid hormone metabolism, and both deficiency and excess are possible. This test is used to investigate low selenium status or to monitor exposure in certain workplaces. A healthcare provider interprets the result alongside diet, symptoms, and other testing.
What this test measures
Selenium is a trace element obtained mainly from food. The body uses it to build selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Because both too little and too much selenium can affect health, testing is used selectively. A urine selenium measurement reflects recent intake and excretion, making it useful when dietary sources are uncertain or when exposure is a concern.
The sample is a urine collection, typically a spot or timed sample, analyzed for selenium concentration. Urine is one of the main routes by which the body removes selenium, so the level can indicate how much of the mineral is circulating. Results are usually reported as micrograms per liter or per gram of creatinine, and laboratories may adjust for sample dilution using creatinine.
This test may be ordered for people with suspected poor selenium intake, those who rely on long-term intravenous nutrition, or workers with possible industrial exposure to selenium compounds. It is an educational tool and not a diagnosis. A qualified healthcare provider interprets the level in the context of diet, supplements, medications, and overall health.
- Selenium, urine concentration
- Urine creatinine for ratio correction
- Selenium-to-creatinine ratio
- Glutathione peroxidase activity when ordered
- Serum selenium when paired
- Selenoprotein P when available
- Total urinary selenium excretion
Why people order this test
- Investigate suspected selenium deficiency
- Monitor occupational exposure to selenium
- Assess selenium status during long-term intravenous nutrition
- Follow up an abnormal serum selenium result
- Evaluate dietary insufficiency in restricted diets
- Support monitoring of a known deficiency
How to prepare
Follow the lab's instructions. A urine sample is collected, and some laboratories prefer a first-morning or timed collection. No fasting is usually required unless the test is bundled with others that need it.
Understanding your results
Results are generally available within one to three business days. The report shows the urine selenium level, sometimes paired with a creatinine ratio. A low value may suggest inadequate selenium status, while a high value can reflect excess intake or exposure; a healthcare provider interprets the finding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a selenium urine test measure?
It measures the amount of selenium excreted in urine, which helps assess selenium status or exposure to the mineral.
Why is selenium important?
Selenium supports antioxidant enzymes and plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism. The body needs only small amounts, and both deficiency and excess can be harmful.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting is usually not required for a urine selenium test unless it is combined with other tests that call for it.
Can diet affect the result?
Yes. Selenium comes mainly from foods such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and grains, so recent intake can influence the measured level.
Is a low result the same as a deficiency?
A low result suggests low selenium status but is not a diagnosis on its own. A healthcare provider considers diet, symptoms, and other tests.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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