Selenium

The Selenium Lab Test is a diagnostic tool designed to measure selenium levels in the blood, either through serum or whole blood analysis. Selenium is a vital trace element involved in antioxidant defense, immune function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. This test is crucial for detecting both selenium deficiency and toxicity, each of which can have significant health implications. Deficiency may lead to conditions like cardiomyopathy, muscle weakness, and fatigue, while toxicity, though rare, can cause symptoms such as garlic breath odor, brittle nails, and neurological issues. The test is also essential for monitoring patients undergoing selenium replacement therapy, ensuring effective treatment and appropriate dosage adjustments. Blood samples are collected using specific tubes to prevent contamination, and selenium levels are measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), a highly sensitive method. Accurate results require patients to avoid certain supplements and medications before testing. This test is invaluable for maintaining optimal selenium levels and preventing related health issues.

Price of test:£108

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £108

Awaiting result:

12 hours

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The selenium lab test is vital for evaluating selenium levels in the body, crucial for antioxidant defense, immune function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. This test helps in:

- Deficiency Detection: Identifies risks of cardiomyopathy, muscle weakness, and fatigue due to low selenium.

- Toxicity Assessment: Detects excessive selenium intake symptoms like garlic breath odor and neurological issues.

- Monitoring Therapy: Ensures effective selenium replacement therapy by adjusting dosages.

Specimens are collected in royal blue-top tubes, analyzed using ICP-MS for accurate results. Proper patient preparation and understanding of clinical significance are essential for effective diagnosis and management.

Who Should Get Tested

The selenium lab test is vital for assessing selenium levels in the body, crucial for antioxidant defense, immune function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. It helps identify:

- Deficiency: Detects low selenium levels, preventing issues like cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness.
- Toxicity: Identifies excessive selenium intake, avoiding symptoms like garlic breath and neurological issues.
- Therapy Monitoring: Ensures effective selenium replacement therapy by adjusting dosages.

Specimens are collected using specific tubes, and results are interpreted to guide clinical decisions, ensuring optimal health outcomes.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results for the selenium lab test is crucial for effective health management. Here's a brief guide:

- Normal Levels: Adults typically have serum selenium levels between 110-165 mcg/L. Children’s levels vary by age, ranging from 45-130 mcg/L.

- Deficiency Indicators: Levels below 40 mcg/L suggest deficiency, potentially leading to health issues like cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness.

- Toxicity Signs: Elevated levels may indicate toxicity, but confirm with a second test to rule out contamination.

Accurate interpretation aids in diagnosing deficiencies, managing therapy, and identifying toxicity.

Price of test:£108

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £108

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

Diagu's AI system represents a breakthrough in medical test analysis, employing state-of-the-art algorithms meticulously trained on a vast spectrum of authoritative medical literature and data. This system intricately analyses laboratory test results, extracting nuanced insights that might elude conventional methods. Our AI delves into complex interrelations between various health markers, offering a comprehensive understanding that supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The foundation of our AI's analytical prowess lies in its extensive training, encompassing data from globally recognised medical journals, trusted healthcare databases, and breakthrough scientific studies. This ensures that every analysis is grounded in the latest and most comprehensive medical knowledge.

Expert Doctor Confirmation

While our AI provides deep analytical insights, the human touch remains indispensable. Every AI-generated interpretation is meticulously reviewed by experienced medical professionals, ensuring a harmonious blend of advanced technology and expert clinical judgment. This dual-layer approach guarantees that the insights provided are not only technologically sophisticated but also clinically relevant. Our medical experts ensure that the AI's interpretations align with current medical standards and practices, adding a layer of validation that only seasoned healthcare professionals can provide. This process reinforces the reliability of the test results, offering peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.

Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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