Selenium, Blood

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

SELENB

Alias/See Also

6296

CPT Codes
84255

Preferred Specimen

2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA trace metal-free (royal blue-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Whole blood collected in and EDTA (lavender-top, non-trace metal)

Instructions

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection. Use the royal blue-topped "Trace-Metal" evacuated tube, which is available with EDTA

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 30 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues, Fri; Report available: 1-5 days

Clinical Significance

Selenium (Se) is a key component of a number of functional selenoproteins required for normal health. The best known of these are the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase enzymes, which remove hydrogen and damaging lipid and phospholipid hydroperoxides generated in vivo by free radicals and other oxygen-derived species. If not removed, lipid hydroperoxides impair membrane structure and function and cause blood-clotting disturbances by decreasing the production of prostacyclin while increasing the production of thromboxane.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.