Selenium Urine 24H Test

This test measures the amount of selenium present in your urine over 24 hours.

• To diagnose selenium deficiency or toxicity
• To assess the risks of cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, and other health issues
• To monitor patients receiving selenium supplements or undergoing dialysis
• To help prevent cancer by improving DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) repair and reducing oxidative stress

Your doctor might recommend this test if you have

• symptoms suggestive of selenium deficiencies or toxicities, such as hair and nail changes, fatigue, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal distress, and skin rashes,
• a history of chronic disease, malnutrition, or surgery that may affect the absorption, utilisation, or excretion of selenium, or
• risk factors for cancer or other health issues usually associated with low selenium levels.

High levels are usually due to excessive supplementation or exposure to environmental toxins, while low levels may result from insufficient dietary intake or malabsorption.

• You'll be given a urine collection container and instructions on how to collect a 24-hour urine sample.
• Throughout the collection period, you should avoid excess selenium-rich foods and supplements.

Inform your doctor about your current medications, supplements, and health conditions that might interfere with the test results. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider to determine if there are any particular requirements you should be aware of.

Blood tests for thyroid hormones, liver enzymes, and selenium concentrations

24-hour urine selenium test

Selenium deficiency can cause several health issues, including Keshan disease, a type of heart disease affecting children and women in selenium-poor regions; Kashin–Beck disease, a type of osteoarthritis that stunts growth and leads to joint deformities; and increased risks of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections.

Excessive intake of selenium, whether acutely or chronically, can lead to selenium toxicity. Common symptoms associated with selenium toxicity include nausea, vomiting, changes in the nails such as discoloration, brittleness, and loss, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, and the presence of a distinct breath odor often described as "garlic breath."