Selenium, Plasma/Serum (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SELE

Test Code (Numeric Code)

3541

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

LabPLUS Trace Metals

Sample Stability

Separated plasma 10 days at 2-8°C
Indefinite if frozen

Synonyms

Plasma Selenium, Serum Selenium, Extracellular Selenium

Turnaround Time

2 weeks

Test performed on weekdays

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Pre-testing Requirements

Gadolinium is known to positively interfere with selenium testing by ICP-MS. If gadolinium-containing contrast media has been administered, specimens for selenium testing should not be collected until at least 96 hours have elapsed.

Last updated: 31/08/2026