What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about possible selenium exposure from your environment, workplace, or diet and want to check your levels. It's often used to investigate unusual exposure sources or to monitor selenium intake over time, since hair can reflect exposure over recent months rather than just a single point in time. This test is for exposure monitoring and investigation purposes, not for diagnosing a medical condition.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal reference range explained so you can see exactly where your selenium level falls. If your level is outside the expected range, simple next steps include reviewing your diet and any supplements or occupational exposures that might be contributing, and retesting in a few months to see if the level has changed. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your selenium levels over multiple tests to see patterns over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who works around selenium-containing materials, lives near an industrial site, or has noticed symptoms after a known or suspected exposure may want to consider this test. It's also useful for people who take selenium supplements regularly and want to make sure their intake isn't too high. People investigating unexplained hair, nail, or skin changes sometimes use this test as part of a broader exposure check.

How can I naturally support healthy selenium levels?

If your level is low, eating more Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, and sunflower seeds can naturally raise your selenium intake, since these foods are some of the richest natural sources. If your level is high, cutting back on selenium supplements and high-selenium foods is usually the first step. Drinking plenty of water and eating a varied, balanced diet supports your body's normal ability to process and eliminate excess minerals.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, so there's no need to call and check.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Brittle hair, nail changes, unusual fatigue, or gastrointestinal discomfort after a known exposure event can all be reasons to check your selenium level. A garlic-like odor on the breath or skin is a classic sign people associate with higher selenium exposure. If you've had contact with selenium at work or through supplements and notice any of these signs, testing can help clarify what's going on.

What does high selenium mean?

A high selenium result usually points to too much exposure through diet, supplements, or occupational contact. Common actionable steps include stopping any selenium supplements, checking supplement labels for hidden selenium content, and reducing intake of high-selenium foods like Brazil nuts for a while before retesting. If you have symptoms like nausea, hair loss, or a metallic taste along with a high result, seek medical care promptly.

What does low selenium mean?

A low result suggests your diet or environment may not be providing enough selenium. Adding selenium-rich foods like seafood, eggs, and a small number of Brazil nuts per week is a simple way to help bring levels up naturally. Retesting after a few months of dietary changes can show whether your level has improved.

How often should I retest?

For most people monitoring exposure, retesting every 3 to 6 months is a reasonable starting point, or sooner if you've made a specific dietary or environmental change you want to track. If you're investigating an active exposure situation, more frequent testing may be helpful until levels stabilize. The trends feature in your account makes it easy to compare results over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by reviewing your diet, supplements, and any potential exposure sources that could explain the result. Making a targeted change—like adjusting your diet or stopping a supplement—and retesting in a few months is a practical way to see if the abnormal level was temporary or ongoing. If you notice concerning symptoms alongside an abnormal result, seek medical care right away.

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 Hair Test - Exposure & Mineral Monitoring

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

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