Selenium Random Urine Test
Short Name: Selenium Urine Test
Also known as: Urine Selenium Test, Random Urine Selenium, Selenium Urine Analysis, Se Urine Test, Urine Selenium Level
Selenium Random Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) on Random Urine samples. Results in Sample collected daily by 6 PM. Report available next day.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Selenium Random Urine Test is performed to measure urinary selenium levels for the purpose of diagnosing selenium deficiency or toxicity, monitoring selenium supplementation therapy, evaluating occupational selenium exposure in industrial settings, and assessing renal clearance of selenium. It is especially valuable in patients on parenteral nutrition or those with malabsorption syndromes who cannot obtain adequate selenium through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Test Code
- 1411
- CPT Code
- N/A
- ICD Code
- E59
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Random Urine
- Result Time
- Sample collected daily by 6 PM. Report available next day.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Sample Collection
No fasting is required. However, avoid selenium-containing supplements for 24–48 hours before collection unless your physician advises otherwise. If Gadolinium, Iodine, or Barium contrast media has been administered, wait at least 96 hours before specimen collection.
Method: Clean-catch midstream urine collection using powderless gloves
Laboratory Analysis
The patient should collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen using powderless gloves to avoid trace metal contamination. The urine must be collected in the acid-washed (metal-free) container kit provided by the laboratory.
Report Delivery
Seal the container tightly and refrigerate or freeze the specimen promptly. Ship refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory. Avoid prolonged exposure to room temperature.
Timeline: Sample collected daily by 6 PM. Report available next day.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Selenium Random Urine Test is performed to measure urinary selenium levels for the purpose of diagnosing selenium deficiency or toxicity, monitoring selenium supplementation therapy, evaluating occupational selenium exposure in industrial settings, and assessing renal clearance of selenium. It is especially valuable in patients on parenteral nutrition or those with malabsorption syndromes who cannot obtain adequate selenium through the gastrointestinal tract.
How to Prepare
- Wash hands thoroughly before collection. Use powderless gloves throughout.
- Open the acid-washed (metal-free) collection container only when ready to collect.
- Begin urinating into the toilet, then collect midstream urine directly into the provided container.
- Collect at least 10 mL (minimum 5 mL) of urine.
- Seal the container securely immediately after collection.
- Label the container with patient name, date, and time of collection.
- Refrigerate the sample (2–8 °C) or freeze it if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
- Ship refrigerated or frozen to DNA Labs India.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Selenium is a critical trace element with potent antioxidant properties essential for thyroid hormone metabolism, immune defence, and cardiovascular health. A random urine selenium test provides a practical, non-invasive method to assess selenium clearance and monitor supplementation. I recommend this test for patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, hair thinning, frequent infections, or those on long-term parenteral nutrition. Early detection of selenium deficiency can prevent serious complications such as Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy) and Kashin-Beck disease. If your results are abnormal, please consult your physician to interpret the findings in the context of your overall clinical picture, dietary intake, and any ongoing supplementation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen collected in a non-acid-washed or metal-contaminated container
- Specimen collected within 96 hours of Gadolinium, Iodine, or Barium contrast media administration
- Specimen volume less than 5 mL
- Specimen stored at room temperature for more than 24 hours
- Specimen collected with non-powderless gloves or contaminated during handling
Understanding Your Results
Low urinary selenium may indicate selenium deficiency. Correlate with serum selenium, dietary intake, and clinical symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or muscle weakness. Consider supplementation under medical guidance.
Range: Below 5 µg/L
Urinary selenium within the reference interval suggests adequate selenium status. Continue balanced dietary intake. Repeat testing may be warranted if symptoms persist.
Range: 5 – 90 µg/L
Elevated urinary selenium may indicate excessive selenium intake (selenosis), occupational exposure, or recent high-dose supplementation. Symptoms of toxicity include garlic-like breath odour, nausea, hair loss, nail changes, and neurological symptoms. Reduce exposure and consult your physician.
Range: Above 90 µg/L
Consult your physician if your selenium levels are below or above the reference range, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as hair loss, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, frequent infections, or infertility, or if you are on selenium supplementation or parenteral nutrition and require dose adjustment. Selenium toxicity (selenosis) is a medical concern that warrants prompt evaluation.
Limitations
- ⚠Random urine selenium reflects recent selenium exposure and renal clearance; it may not fully represent long-term body stores.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted alongside serum selenium levels and clinical symptoms for a comprehensive assessment.
- ⚠Urine concentration varies with hydration status; spot urine values may fluctuate significantly.
- ⚠Reference ranges may differ between laboratories due to variations in analytical methodology and population-specific norms.
- ⚠This test does not differentiate between dietary selenium intake and endogenous selenium mobilisation.
Risks & Considerations
- ●The test is non-invasive and carries no medical risks.
- ●There is a small risk of specimen contamination if collection instructions are not followed, which may affect result accuracy.
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent administration of Gadolinium-, Iodine-, or Barium-containing contrast media (avoid collection for 96 hours)
- ●Contamination from metal-containing equipment or non-acid-washed containers
- ●Use of selenium-containing supplements within 24–48 hours prior to collection may elevate levels
- ●Heavy occupational selenium exposure may produce spuriously elevated results
- ●Collection without powderless gloves may introduce trace metal contamination
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Selenium Random Urine Test | Selenium, Serum/Plasma Test | Selenium, 24-Hour Urine Test | Selenium, Whole Blood Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Selenium Random Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Selenium Random Urine Test?
Why is the Selenium Random Urine Test performed?
What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency?
What is the cost of a Selenium Random Urine Test in India?
Do I need to fast before the Selenium Random Urine Test?
How is the urine sample collected for this test?
When should I not undergo this test?
What does an elevated urine selenium level mean?
What does a low urine selenium level indicate?
Is home sample collection available for the Selenium Random Urine Test?
How soon will I receive my Selenium Random Urine Test report?
What other tests are commonly recommended along with the Selenium Random Urine Test?
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