What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing fatigue, brittle hair or nails, muscle weakness, or a weakened immune system that doesn't seem to improve. It's also useful if you follow a restricted diet, have digestive issues that limit nutrient absorption, or live in an area with selenium-poor soil. Checking your selenium level can help explain symptoms tied to low antioxidant protection or thyroid trouble.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the amount of selenium circulating in your blood, giving a snapshot of one of your body's key trace minerals. Selenium plays a central role in antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone processing, so this single measurement offers insight into how well your body is protected against cell damage and how efficiently your thyroid may be functioning.

What happens after I get my results?

Your selenium result will show up in your account along with the normal range so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is low, simple steps like adding more selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs) or a supplement can help, while high levels may mean cutting back on supplements and retesting in a few months. You can download a standard lab report from your account anytime, and the trends feature lets you track your selenium level over time to see if your changes are working.

How can I naturally support healthy selenium levels?

Eating selenium-rich foods is the easiest way to support healthy levels — a couple of Brazil nuts a day, along with seafood, eggs, sunflower seeds, and whole grains, usually covers your needs. If you eat a varied diet but still test low, it may point to an absorption issue worth investigating further. Avoid megadosing on selenium supplements, since too much can be just as harmful as too little.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, so there's no need to call or check in manually.

Who should consider this test?

People with unexplained fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, or thyroid-like symptoms may benefit from checking their selenium status. It's also worth considering if you have a restricted or unusual diet, digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption, or live somewhere with low-selenium soil. Anyone wanting a clearer picture of their antioxidant and mineral status can also use this test as a starting point.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs of low selenium include ongoing fatigue, brittle hair or hair loss, weakened immunity (getting sick often), and muscle aches or weakness. Some people also notice brain fog or mood changes. If these symptoms persist despite a generally healthy lifestyle, a selenium check can help rule in or out a mineral deficiency.

What does high selenium mean?

A high selenium result can mean you're getting too much from supplements, fortified foods, or occupational exposure, and it may cause symptoms like garlic-smelling breath, brittle nails, gastrointestinal upset, or nerve issues. The fix is usually straightforward — stop or reduce any selenium supplements and recheck your level in a few weeks. If you have noticeable symptoms like hair loss or nerve tingling along with a high result, treat that as a sign to seek medical care promptly.

What does low selenium mean?

A low result means your body may not be getting enough of this mineral to support normal antioxidant and thyroid function, which can show up as fatigue, weak immunity, or hair and nail changes. This is often fixable through diet — adding foods like Brazil nuts, tuna, and eggs — or a modest supplement. Retesting after a few months of dietary changes helps confirm your levels have improved.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is normal and you feel fine, retesting once a year or whenever new symptoms appear is usually enough. If you're actively correcting a low or high result through diet or supplements, retesting every 2-3 months gives a clearer picture of whether your changes are working. People with ongoing absorption issues may want to check more regularly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Selenium Blood Test - Antioxidant & Thyroid Health

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]