Hair samples are prone to environmental contamination.  After the hair sample is taken from the patient, they must be properly washed before analysis. This ensures that the mineral concentrations found are from what is integrated into the hair. Samples are washed after they are received at the laboratory; it is not necessary to wash the hair sample before it is submitted.  

Our hair washing procedure includes the use of non-ionic surfactants.  It is imperative that non-ionic surfactants are used so that there is no mineral contribution made during this process.  After a wash and rinse in deionized water the samples are dried before being weighed.