Information about a laboratory test

Selenium: What Does This Test Measure?

The Selenium test measures selenium status related to selenoproteins and antioxidant systems.

Test summary

Test name
Selenium
Abbreviations
Se
Category
Trace Minerals
Panel
Micronutrient Evaluation
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
mcg/dL, µg/L, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

The Selenium test measures selenium status related to selenoproteins and antioxidant systems.

Why is the test ordered?

Ordered when trace-mineral deficiency or excess is suspected, with malabsorption or in selected clinical contexts; timing and inflammation can affect some measurements.

Information about a low result

A low result can be associated with inadequate intake, malabsorption or other clinical conditions; serum/plasma levels do not always perfectly reflect total-body stores.

Information about a high result

A high result can be associated with supplements, high exposure or altered metabolism; the result alone is not a diagnosis of toxicity.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference context 1

>= 8 mcg/dL

Population
Healthy people
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Selenium concentration generally sufficient for selenoprotein synthesis

This is a sourced clinical-context threshold and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report and clinical context take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Trace-mineral results should be interpreted with sampling conditions, inflammation, diet and related proteins/elements.

Related specialties

  • Internal Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

  1. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Vitamin E blood testing, deficiency/excess and age-specific interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026

  2. Selenium – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

    U.S. government nutrition reference · 2025 · Serum/plasma selenium status and sufficiency context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026