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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Selenium Serum Test

The Selenium Serum Test measures selenium levels in your blood. Selenium is an essential nutrient important for metabolism, thyroid function, and antioxidant defence. This test helps identify deficiencies or toxicities, particularly relevant for those exposed to industrial substances.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Serum sample required. Minimum volume: 1.0 mL, preferred volume: 2.0 mL. Collected in a metal-free white top tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for this test. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Test priceKSh 9,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Selenium Serum Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of selenium deficiency (e.g., fatigue, muscle weakness).
  • ✓Monitoring individuals with known selenium deficiency.
  • ✓Assessment of potential toxicity from industrial exposure.
  • ✓Patients with thyroid disorders.
  • ✓Evaluation of certain metabolic conditions.
  • ✓Nutritional assessment.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps assess nutritional status related to selenium, identify potential deficiencies or toxicities, and monitor selenium levels in individuals with specific health conditions or environmental exposures.
The Selenium Serum Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of selenium present in your bloodstream. Selenium is a vital trace element necessary for various bodily functions, including metabolism, thyroid hormone activation, and protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Maintaining adequate selenium levels is important for overall health. This test can help identify if your levels are too low (deficiency) or too high (toxicity), which can be influenced by diet, environmental factors, and certain health conditions. Understanding your selenium status can provide valuable information for managing your health.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required for this test. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
SampleSerum sample required. Minimum volume: 1.0 mL, preferred volume: 2.0 mL. Collected in a metal-free white top tube.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Selenium levels can be affected by recent intake of selenium-containing foods or supplements. Certain medical procedures involving contrast media may interfere with results. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Selenium is an essential trace mineral vital for immune function, thyroid health, and protecting the body from oxidative damage. It plays a role in metabolism and reproduction.
Individuals with symptoms of deficiency, those exposed to industrial chemicals, people with thyroid conditions, or those undergoing nutritional assessment may benefit from this test.
A blood sample is drawn from your arm and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The sample is collected in a specific type of tube.
Dietary intake, environmental exposure (especially industrial chemicals), certain medical conditions, and some medications can influence selenium levels.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Discuss your results with your healthcare provider. They can interpret the findings in the context of your health history and recommend appropriate next steps if needed.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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