Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in the found. They are phagocytic, meaning that they engulf and destroy things like bacteria and viruses at the site of an injury. Like all other white blood cells, they also play a part in our body’s inflammatory response to things like allergens. 

Segmented neutrophils, often called “segs” or “segmenters,” are mature white blood cells that play a key role in fighting infections—especially bacterial infections. They are typically measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential and are reported as a percentage of total white blood cells or as an absolute count.

A normal range for segmented neutrophils is usually around 40–70%, although this can vary slightly by laboratory. Results should always be interpreted alongside your total white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and other markers.

High segmented neutrophils (neutrophilia) are commonly seen with infections, inflammation, physical or emotional stress, smoking, or corticosteroid use. In most cases, mild elevations are temporary and resolve once the underlying cause improves.

Low segmented neutrophils may occur with viral infections, medication effects, bone marrow suppression, or certain autoimmune or nutritional conditions. Mild decreases are often not concerning, but persistently low levels—especially with a low ANC—may increase infection risk.

Because “segs,” “segmenters,” and “segmented neutrophils” are often used interchangeably on lab reports, understanding this marker can help you better interpret your CBC results and identify whether your immune system is responding to an active condition.

Segmented Neutrophils (CSF) refer to mature white blood cells found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which play a key role in the body’s immune response. Normally, neutrophils are present in low or undetectable levels in the CSF. Elevated levels of segmented neutrophils in a lab report may indicate an infection, particularly bacterial meningitis, or other inflammatory conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It is important to interpret these results in conjunction with other CSF markers and clinical symptoms to accurately diagnose underlying conditions.

Whole blood selenium levels are within the normal reference range. This measurement reflects long-term selenium status, while urinary selenium levels are better indicators of recent intake.

Selenium is an essential trace element with critical roles in:

• Thyroid hormone metabolism

• Antioxidant defense (especially via glutathione peroxidase)

• Maintaining cellular redox balance

Low selenium levels are linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and reduced conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).

Selenium is an essential element. It is a cofactor required to maintain activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of organic hydroperoxides. The absence of selenium correlates with loss of GSH-Px activity and is associated with damage to cell membranes due to accumulation of free radicals.

Sources:

The selenium content of grains and vegetables depends on the selenium content of the soil. In meats, selenium content is dependent on the diet of the animals. Foods with higher selenium content include Brazil nuts, seafood (especially tuna), chicken, beef, pork, lamb. Also present in air, water, soil, metallurgy, airborne coal/oil emissions, dandruff shampoo, paints, photo cells, drums, photocopiers, glass, ceramics, rubber, pharmaceuticals.

Absorption factors:

Selenium tends to be well absorbed, and the bioavailability of selenium in the form of selenomethionine is greater than 90%. Sulfur, lead, arsenic, calcium and iron reduced the absorption of selenium. Urine is the main route of excretion and reflects recent dietary intake. Plasma is useful for assessing nutritional selenium status.

Selenium is normally found in hair at very low levels, and several studies provide evidence that low hair Selenium is reflective of dietary intake and associated with cardiovascular disorders. Utilization of hair Selenium levels to assess nutritional status, however, is complicated by the fact that use of Selenium- or sulfur-containing shampoo markedly increases hair Selenium (externally) and can give a false high value.

Selenium, a trace element found in the whole blood, is a significant component of the Toxic and Essential Elements panel, offering vital insights into an individual's nutritional status and potential toxic exposure. As an essential micronutrient, selenium is crucial for various bodily functions, most notably its role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which includes important antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. These enzymes play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby contributing to immune system function and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium's optimal range in the body is narrow: both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues.

Selenium, a trace element essential for human health, plays a critical role in various physiological processes and is commonly assessed through its concentration in serum. As an integral component of selenoproteins, selenium is pivotal in antioxidant defense systems, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. The primary dietary sources of selenium include nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs, with its bioavailability influenced by soil composition and dietary factors. Serum selenium levels are reflective of both short-term and long-term selenium status, offering a reliable biomarker for nutritional assessment. The typical reference range for serum selenium varies, but is generally considered to be between 70 and 150 ng/mL.

The trace mineral selenium functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase activity, which requires selenium for activity, facilitates the recycling of vitamins C and E, in optimizing the performance of the antioxidant system.

Selenium is normally found in hair at very low levels, and several studies provide evidence that low hair Selenium is reflective of dietary intake and associated with cardiovascular disorders. Utilization of hair Selenium levels to assess nutritional status, however, is complicated by the fact that use of Selenium- or sulfur-containing shampoo markedly increases hair Selenium (externally) and can give a false high value.

Selenium is an essential element. It is a cofactor required to maintain activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of organic hydroperoxides. The absence of selenium correlates with loss of GSH-Px activity and is associated with damage to cell membranes due to accumulation of free radicals.

Selenium is a mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. We need trace amounts for normal health, and selenium is an essential element in several metabolic pathways. It also has antioxidant properties that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.