Selenium Hair Test by ICPMS

The Selenium Hair Test by ICPMS measures selenium levels in your hair sample. 

Doctors may recommend this test to:

• Detect selenium deficiency or overload in the body.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of selenium supplements or dietary changes. 
• Diagnose or monitor health conditions related to selenium status such as thyroid disorders, fertility problems, or some cancers.

Your doctor might recommend the Selenium Hair Test by ICPMS if you have:

• Symptoms indicating a potential selenium deficiency or overload. 
• A history of chronic disease. 
• A family history of selenium-related health issues. 
• Been exposed to high levels of environmental toxins. 
• Been taking long-term medications that affect selenium metabolism.

Elevated or reduced levels may indicate a deficiency or excess of selenium in the body. Extremely high selenium levels can cause severe problems, including difficulty breathing, tremors, kidney failure, heart attacks, and heart failure. Low selenium levels can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, cognitive decline and weakened immunity. 

During this test, a small sample of hair will be collected from your scalp near the nape of the neck. The test is painless and non-invasive and takes only a few minutes to complete. 

To prepare for this test, remember the following points:

• Wash your hair the night before using a mild shampoo.
• Avoid any hair treatments such as dyes, bleach, or chemical straightening for at least one week before the test.
• Do not take any selenium supplements or multivitamins containing selenium for at least 48 hours before the test. 

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Selenium Hair Test by ICPMS include

• Blood tests to measure serum selenium levels.
• Urine tests to assess selenium excretion and metabolism.
• Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound to diagnose and monitor some conditions related to selenium status.

Hair selenium test or hair mineral analysis

Selenium deficiency occurs when your body doesn't have enough selenium to meet its needs. It can lead to various health problems such as muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, cognitive decline and increased risk of some cancers. Deficiency is most common in people with certain medical conditions, malnutrition or living in low-selenium regions.

Selenium toxicity, often caused by external contamination rather than cellular accumulation, can result from the use of selenium-containing shampoos or exposure in industries like electronics, glass, and paint, potentially leading to elevated hair levels and indicating a loss of selenium.