Description
Why It’s Done:
• To assess selenium deficiency or toxicity in the body
• To evaluate selenium intake or excretion in individuals with malabsorption issues, kidney disease, or those receiving specific treatments (e.g., chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition)
• To monitor selenium status in patients with thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or heart disease
• To help guide treatment for conditions where selenium imbalance is suspected, such as Keshan disease or Kashin-Beck disease
Preparation:
• 24-hour urine collection is required for this test, so you will need to collect urine over a full day.
• Start the collection by voiding (urinating) into the toilet when you wake up in the morning, and then collect all urine for the next 24 hours in a provided container.
• Avoid contamination of the sample, especially with stool or other substances.
• Keep the collection container refrigerated during the 24-hour period to prevent degradation of selenium.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, particularly those that contain selenium, as they may affect the test results.
