What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, or a weakened immune system that keeps you catching colds. It measures the amount of selenium stored inside your red blood cells, which gives a better picture of your long-term selenium status than a regular blood test. It's also useful if you eat a restricted diet, have digestive issues that affect nutrient absorption, or want to check for selenium overload from supplements.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your selenium level clearly marked against the normal range, so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is low, simple next steps include adding more selenium-rich foods or a supplement and retesting in a few months to see the change. If your level is high, cutting back on supplements is usually enough, though very high results paired with symptoms should be treated as urgent. You can download a standard lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your selenium levels over time.

Who should consider this test?

People with ongoing fatigue, thinning hair, brittle nails, or frequent infections may want to check their selenium status. It's also worth considering if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, live in an area with selenium-poor soil, have thyroid concerns, or take high-dose supplements and want to make sure you're not overdoing it. Anyone managing a chronic digestive condition that affects nutrient absorption can also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs of low selenium include fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, and getting sick more often than usual. On the flip side, too much selenium can cause symptoms like nausea, irritability, brittle nails, garlic-smelling breath, or hair thinning. If you notice a mix of these symptoms, especially alongside dietary changes or new supplements, it's a good reason to check your levels.

How can I naturally support healthy selenium levels?

Eating a couple of Brazil nuts a day is one of the easiest ways to boost selenium naturally, since they're one of the richest sources available. Seafood, eggs, sunflower seeds, and whole grains like brown rice also provide good amounts. If your levels are high, simply cutting back on selenium supplements and limiting Brazil nut intake usually brings things back into balance within a few weeks.

What is selenium and why does it matter?

Selenium is a trace mineral your body needs in small amounts to support your immune system, protect cells from damage, and help your thyroid work properly. Even though you only need a little, having too much or too little can throw off how your body functions. Keeping selenium in a healthy range helps support energy, immunity, and hormone balance.

What does high selenium mean?

A high selenium result often points to taking too many supplements or eating large amounts of selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts regularly. Mild elevations may just require cutting back on intake, but very high levels can cause symptoms like hair loss, nausea, or nerve issues and should be taken seriously. If your result is very high and you're feeling unwell, treat it as urgent and seek medical care.

What does low selenium mean?

A low result usually means your diet isn't providing enough selenium, or your body isn't absorbing it well due to a digestive condition. This can contribute to low energy, a weaker immune system, and thyroid problems over time. Adding selenium-rich foods or a moderate supplement is typically the first step to bring levels back up.

How often should I retest?

If you're making dietary changes or starting a supplement to correct an abnormal level, retesting in about 3 months gives your body enough time to show a meaningful change. If your levels are normal and you're not experiencing symptoms, checking once a year is generally enough. Anyone adjusting supplement doses should retest sooner to avoid overshooting into high territory.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by looking at your diet and any supplements you're currently taking, since these are the most common reasons for both low and high results. Make small adjustments, like adding selenium-rich foods for low levels or cutting back on supplements for high ones, then retest in a few months. If your result is significantly out of range or you're having concerning symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

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 RBC Test - Immune & Thyroid Nutrient Check

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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