Hair Mineral Analysis
Hair Metal Analysis
Hair provides a record of past and current trace element levels.
Unlike blood, hair is an inert substance that consists of a fibrous protein and trace elements. As hair grows, nutrient and toxic elements are deposited from the blood stream into the hair follicle and hair shaft. Once a trace element has been incorporated into the hair, it remains fixed.
Sample taking is painless, and sample shipping is not timely.
Hair analysis testing requires meticulous sample preparation, during which the sample is freed from external contaminants. Sample analysis is performed using the same instrumentation and criteria as laboratory diagnostics require for metal testing of blood and urine.
Hair analysis, when properly performed, is a reliable measure of tissue levels. Source: Jenkins DW. Toxic Metals in Mammalian Hair and Nails. EPA Report 600, 1979.
Hair Analysis
Material needed:
To measure hair metal values reliably and with good reproducibility, the following criteria must be met:
- Only use chemically untreated head hair.
- If the hair has been treated, it should be allowed to grow for at least 2-3 months before new sampling.
- Alternatives to head hair are pubic, beard or chest hair. Also see Nail Analysis
- Do not mix different sample types (i.e. hair with nails).
If the hair has been treated, it should be allowed to grow for at least 2-3 months before new sampling.
Hair samples do not have to be washed before submitting to testing. We enforce strict washing procedures with metal-free solutions. We follow a multiple validation process to assure analytical results and we double-test when unusual results are noted.
Download
Extended Hair Mineral Report for adults
(including rare earth elements and potentially radioactive elements)