ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Selenium and cramps (testing)

[endurance] Selenium and cramps (testing)

Lynn E Taylor (LTaylor@otterbein.edu)
Mon, 17 Jun 1996 11:28:10 +0000

John and Sue:
The difference between blood and serum or plasma Selenium is that the
blood is whole blood - the RBCs are still in the water portion of the
blood, and the sample has to be collected into a tube with
anticoagulant (usually sodium or lithium heparin, green top tube). It
should not be collected in a serum (red top) tube. Serum or plasma
tests are run on the clear portion of the blood, by centirfuging the
cells to the bottom and then removing the clear fluid from the top of
the tube. There is Selenium inside the red blood cells, so the test
is only most accurate when performed on whole blood. Just be sure
whomever takes the sample understands it has to be whole blood.

Good luck! Lynn
Lynn E. Taylor, MS, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Equine Science
Otterbein College
Westerville, Oh 43081

ltaylor@otterbein.edu