Selenium, RBC Most Popular

The Selenium, RBC test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Selenium RBC test measures the level of selenium in red blood cells (RBCs). Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. The test provides valuable information about the body's selenium status over a more extended period compared to measuring selenium levels in plasma or serum.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why a Selenium RBC Test May Be Ordered:

A Selenium RBC test may be ordered for the following reasons:

1. Selenium Deficiency Assessment: To evaluate the body's selenium status, especially in individuals at risk of selenium deficiency, such as those with malabsorption disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, or those following restrictive diets.

2. Monitoring Selenium Supplementation: For patients receiving selenium supplementation to manage deficiencies or certain medical conditions, the test helps determine the effectiveness of treatment.

3. Assessment of Selenium Toxicity: In rare cases, high selenium levels may result from excessive supplementation or occupational exposure. The test helps monitor selenium levels in such situations.

What a Selenium RBC Test Checks For:

The Selenium RBC test measures the amount of selenium present within the red blood cells. RBCs contain a higher concentration of selenium than plasma, making this test a better indicator of long-term selenium status. It helps healthcare providers understand the body's selenium levels and assess whether supplementation or dietary changes are necessary.

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside a Selenium RBC Test:

When a Selenium RBC test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of nutritional status, thyroid function, and overall health. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):

   • Purpose: To assess liver and kidney function, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and blood glucose levels.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate overall health and to check for conditions that might be related to or affected by selenium levels.

2. Thyroid Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess thyroid function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Selenium is crucial for the conversion of T4 to the active hormone T3, and deficiency can impact thyroid health.

3. Vitamin and Mineral Panel:

   • Purpose: To measure levels of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, E, D, and other trace elements like zinc and copper.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess overall nutritional status and identify other potential deficiencies or imbalances.

4. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for signs of anemia or other hematologic abnormalities that might be related to nutritional deficiencies.

5. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: The liver is involved in the metabolism of nutrients, including selenium, so liver disorders can affect selenium levels.

6. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

   • Purpose: Non-specific markers of inflammation.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess inflammation levels, which can be influenced by antioxidant status and trace element levels, including selenium.

7. Heavy Metal Testing:

   • Purpose: To test for the presence of heavy metals like mercury or lead.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Selenium can interact with heavy metals, and exposure to heavy metals can affect selenium status.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Selenium RBC test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s nutritional status, thyroid function, and overall health. They are essential for diagnosing and managing conditions related to selenium deficiency or toxicity, assessing the impact of selenium on thyroid and immune function, and evaluating the potential interactions with other nutrients and heavy metals. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, dietary intake, environmental exposures, and overall health status.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require a Selenium RBC Test:

A Selenium RBC test is essential in the following situations:

1. Selenium Deficiency: To diagnose and monitor selenium deficiency, which can lead to health issues like impaired immune function and thyroid dysfunction.

2. Assessment of Selenium Toxicity: To identify and monitor cases of selenium toxicity, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, hair loss, and nerve damage.

3. Malabsorption Disorders: In individuals with malabsorption issues, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, the test helps determine selenium absorption and utilization.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Selenium RBC Test:

Healthcare providers use the results of a Selenium RBC test to:

1. Identify Selenium Deficiency or Toxicity: Abnormal results help diagnose selenium deficiencies or toxicities, enabling appropriate interventions.

2. Guide Supplementation: For patients with selenium deficiencies, the test aids in determining the appropriate dosage for selenium supplementation.

3. Monitor Treatment Efficacy: In cases of selenium supplementation, the test helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed.

4. Formulate Dietary Recommendations: For individuals with selenium imbalances, the results can guide dietary changes to ensure adequate selenium intake and overall health improvement.

Most Common Questions About the Selenium RBC test:

Understanding the Selenium RBC Test

What is the Selenium RBC test?

The Selenium Red Blood Cell (RBC) test is a laboratory examination that measures the levels of selenium in your red blood cells. Selenium is a trace element that is necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Why would a healthcare provider order a Selenium RBC test?

A healthcare provider might order a Selenium RBC test if they suspect that you have either a deficiency or an excess of selenium in your body, both of which can cause health problems.

How does the Selenium RBC test contribute to understanding my overall health?

Selenium plays an important role in many bodily functions, including immune response and thyroid hormone metabolism. The Selenium RBC test can provide valuable information about your selenium status and overall health.

Interpreting Selenium RBC Test Results

What do high levels of selenium indicate in a Selenium RBC test?

High levels of selenium in a Selenium RBC test may indicate selenium toxicity, also known as selenosis. This is usually caused by overconsumption of selenium, and it can lead to symptoms such as hair loss, nail changes, nausea, and neurological disturbances.

What do low levels of selenium indicate in a Selenium RBC test?

Low levels of selenium in a Selenium RBC test may indicate a selenium deficiency, which can affect the immune system and thyroid function. It may also be associated with an increased risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

What is considered a normal range for selenium in a Selenium RBC test?

The normal range for selenium in red blood cells is typically around 120 - 300 mcg/L, but this can vary depending on the laboratory conducting the test.

Selenium RBC Test and Specific Health Conditions

How is the Selenium RBC test used in managing patients with thyroid conditions?

Selenium is important for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to its active form, triiodothyronine (T3). In patients with thyroid conditions, a Selenium RBC test can provide information about selenium status and potentially help in managing the condition.

Can a Selenium RBC test diagnose Keshan disease?

Keshan disease is a type of heart disease caused by selenium deficiency. A Selenium RBC test can help diagnose this condition by detecting low selenium levels.

Can a Selenium RBC test be used in conjunction with tests for kidney function?

Yes, selenium is excreted through the kidneys, so its levels may be affected by kidney function. A Selenium RBC test can therefore be used alongside tests for kidney function to provide a more complete picture of a patient's health.

The Selenium RBC Test and Lifestyle

Can lifestyle changes affect the results of a Selenium RBC test?

Yes, dietary changes can significantly affect selenium levels. Selenium is present in certain foods, including Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats. Increasing or decreasing the consumption of these foods can affect selenium levels and thus the results of a Selenium RBC test.

Can the Selenium RBC test monitor the effectiveness of dietary changes or supplements?

Yes, the Selenium RBC test can be used to monitor how well dietary changes or selenium supplements are working to correct a deficiency or reduce excess selenium.

Can smoking or alcohol affect the Selenium RBC test results?

Smoking and alcohol can potentially affect selenium levels, although the relationship is complex and not fully understood. Both habits can have various effects on overall health, which may indirectly affect selenium levels and thus the results of a Selenium RBC test.

The Selenium RBC Test and Other Diagnostic Tools

How is the Selenium RBC test used in conjunction with a complete blood count (CBC)?

A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the cells in your blood, including red blood cells. While a CBC does not measure selenium levels, it can provide context for a Selenium RBC test by identifying abnormalities in red blood cells that might affect selenium measurements.

Can a Selenium RBC test be used along with tests for other trace elements?

Yes, a Selenium RBC test can be used in conjunction with tests for other trace elements, such as zinc, copper, and manganese, to provide a more comprehensive picture of a patient's nutritional status.

Frequency and Timing of Selenium RBC Testing

How often should a Selenium RBC test be done?

The frequency of Selenium RBC testing depends on individual factors, such as whether a patient is being monitored for a known selenium deficiency or toxicity. In general, however, it is not a test that needs to be done regularly in healthy individuals.

Is there an optimal time of day to have a Selenium RBC test?

Selenium levels do not have significant diurnal variation, so a Selenium RBC test can be done at any time of day.

The Selenium RBC Test and Different Populations

Can elderly individuals benefit from a Selenium RBC test?

Yes, older individuals may have different nutritional needs and might be at risk for deficiencies or toxicities of trace elements, including selenium. A Selenium RBC test can provide valuable information about selenium status in this population.

Can the Selenium RBC test be used for assessing selenium status in pregnant women?

Yes, selenium needs can increase during pregnancy, and a Selenium RBC test can help ensure that a pregnant woman is getting enough selenium for herself and her developing baby.

Can athletes benefit from a Selenium RBC test?

Yes, athletes may have different nutritional needs due to their high level of physical activity. A Selenium RBC test can provide information about selenium status and potential needs for supplementation.

Is a Selenium RBC test useful in managing patients with liver disease?

Yes, the liver plays a role in selenium metabolism, so selenium levels can be affected in liver disease. A Selenium RBC test can provide important information in the management of patients with liver conditions.

Should people with cancer consider a Selenium RBC test?

Yes, some research suggests that selenium levels can be affected by cancer and its treatments. A Selenium RBC test can provide valuable information for people with cancer.

Can people with gastrointestinal disorders benefit from a Selenium RBC test?

Yes, people with gastrointestinal disorders may have difficulties absorbing selenium and other nutrients. A Selenium RBC test can help identify potential selenium deficiencies in this population.

Can a Selenium RBC test help manage patients with autoimmune diseases?

Yes, selenium is important for immune function, and its levels can be affected in autoimmune diseases. A Selenium RBC test can provide valuable information in the management of these conditions.

Can the Selenium RBC test be used in pediatric populations?

Yes, children also need selenium for normal growth and development. A Selenium RBC test can help ensure that a child is getting enough selenium.

Can the Selenium RBC test be used in individuals with malnutrition or eating disorders?

Yes, people with malnutrition or eating disorders may be at risk for deficiencies of trace elements, including selenium. A Selenium RBC test can provide valuable information for these individuals.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.