Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
RSEL
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3953
Laboratory Handling
Separating
Whole blood required - DO NOT CENTRIFUGE - Dedicated sample preferred
Laboratory
LabPLUS Trace Metals
Sample Stability
10 days at 2-8°C
Indefinite if frozen
Synonyms
Selenium - Red Cell, Red Cell Selenium, Erythrocyte Selenium, Whole Blood Selenium, RBC Selenium
Turnaround Time
2 weeks
Test performed on weekdays
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
2
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.
Additional Specimen Information
No centrifugation or other separation required, place the whole blood tube on to trace metals box.
Last updated: 31/08/2026