Selenium Blood Test

The Selenium Blood Test measures the concentration of selenium in your blood.

This test is done to identify or confirm the following conditions:

• Thyroid problems
• McArdle's syndrome
• Keshan disease
• Wasting syndrome
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Chronic kidney disease

Doctors may recommend this test for people who have

• symptoms of selenium deficiency such as hair loss, muscle weakness, etc., and
• symptoms of selenium toxicity such as gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and hair and nail brittleness.

Higher or lower levels indicate an abnormality that can suggest either selenium deficiency or toxicity.

During the test, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample from your arm. The process takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless.

• Before taking this test, your doctor might recommend that you fast for a few hours.
• Avoid taking any supplements or vitamins containing selenium for at least one week before the test as it can skew the results.
• Let your doctor know about any medicines and supplements you're taking and any specific requirements that you may have.

• Liver Function Tests: The liver function test assesses how well your liver works.
• Thyroid Function Test: This test measures thyroid hormone levels in your bloodstream.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures different components of your blood, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin.

Serum Selenium Test or Blood Selenium Level Test

Selenium deficiency is an imbalance of selenium in your body caused by inadequate dietary intake or poor absorption. Symptoms of selenium deficiency can vary from hair loss, muscle weakness, and poor immune system function to infertility and cognitive decline.

Taking too much selenium, either immediately or over a long period of time, results in the illness known as selenium poisoning. Numerous signs of selenium poisoning include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, tiredness, irritability, a distinct garlic-like breath odour and changes in nail appearance, such as discoloration, brittleness, or loss.