Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory
Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease
Micronutrient Monitoring Service
A range of analyses is offered to clinicians dealing with patients with nutritional problems. Micronutrient monitoring has been found to be particularly useful in the management of patients on long-term parenteral nutrition (TPN), and those who may be deficient because of an eating disorder or with intestinal malabsorption. Premature infants and elderly individual may also be at risk of micronutrient deficiency. Measurement of selenium and blood glutathione peroxidase (a selenium marker) is particularly recommended as many TPN regimens do not contain sufficient selenium. Selenium depletion is therefore quite common in patients on TPN. A full micronutrient screen is available.
Samples may now be taken through a conventional needle using Vacutainer or other sampling systems. If the patient is receiving peripheral vein infusions, the catheter can be used for collection of the sample
Sample RequirementsTests Offered and Reference Values
|
Sample Type |
Container |
Analytes |
Ref. Range |
|
Plasma |
LiHep, |
12 -18 µmol/l 10 - 22 µmol/l 0.8 to 2.0 µmol/l 1.0 to 3.0 µmol/l 3.5 to 9.5 µmol/mmol 15 to 90 µmol/l |
|
|
Red Cells |
LiHep, |
1.0 - 3.4 nmol/g Hb 250 - 680 pmol/g Hb |
|
|
Whole Blood |
LiHep, |
70 - 280 nmol/l 20 - 70 U/g Hb |
|
|
|
|