A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) simply stated, is a screening test that measures the mineral content of your hair. However, a hair tissue mineral analysis is much more than a test for minerals. Providing a blueprint of one’s biochemistry, a hair tissue mineral analysis can provide pertinent information about your metabolic rate, energy levels, carbohydrate tolerance, stage of stress, immune system and glandular activity. This screening test can also be used to reduce the guesswork involved when recommending nutritional supplements and dietary modifications.
Is Hair Analysis A Valid Basis For Evaluation Of A Person’s Chemistry?
Blood tests and urine tests obviously provide important information about a person’s biochemical status, but they only evaluate the fluids in the body. However, the vast majority of biochemical functions actually take place inside the cells themselves. Of course, we can’t conveniently take snips out of the various organs of a person’s body in order to evaluate what is going on in the cells, but there are cells conveniently available to us, the cells of the hair. Through extensive research and correlation of data, it has been established that there are reliable relationships between the levels of minerals in the hair and other tissues of the body. Thus, analysis of the mineral content of an individual’s hair can provide us with a general ‘blueprint’ of the mineral content in the rest of the body’s tissues. Since these minerals are crucial to the functioning of enzymes, hormones and other biochemical systems which sustain life, it is possible to read this ‘blueprint’ and see where metabolic patterns are deviating from normal.
Another benefit of hair analysis is that it may be used to assist the health care professional to pinpoint the development of metabolic dysfunctions often before symptoms manifest. While mineral imbalances in the body do eventually show up in the blood serum, they will not do so until the condition is so advanced that the individual is often experiencing overt symptoms. Tissue mineral analysis allows us to determine that an imbalance exists, before the imbalance begins to manifest disturbances on a symptomatic level. Therefore, the imbalance can often be corrected through nutritional therapy even before a person begins to suffer from metabolic symptoms.
What is the Minimum Amount of Hair to Perform the Multi-Element Mineral Assay?
We currently require a minimum of 125 mgs of hair to complete the entire mineral assay.
Are There Any Special Requirements For Submitting a Hair Sample?
The accuracy and reliability of the test results and interpretation is based upon the laboratory receiving a properly collected hair sample that is clean and free from external contaminants. The ideal hair sample should be collected prior to subjecting the hair to any treatments such as bleaching, permanents, or dyes. This also includes the application of hair sprays, hair creams, gels and oils. Additionally, the hair should be washed within 24 hours of sampling and must be dry for at least 4 hours after shampooing.
There are several cautions and concerns regarding hair products. Most shampoos, rinses and conditioners do not contain metals and will not effect the accuracy of the analysis. However, medicated shampoos of concern are Selsun Blue selenium) and Head and Shoulders zinc). Grecian Formula contains lead and iron.
The hair sample should be cut as close to the scalp as possible and should be a maximum of 1.5 inches in length. The distal end of the hair longer than 1.5 inches should be discarded. The recommended location for collection would be the nape of the neck.
It is very important to place the hair sample in the sampling envelope provided before sending to the laboratory. Do not place hair samples in plastic baggies or aluminum foil. Do not tape or staple the hair sample to the scale or sampling envelope.
Do not mix different types of hair such as head hair with pubic hair or beard hair in the same sampling envelope. We strongly recommend using head hair only due to it’s consistent rate of growth. Pubic and other body hair should only be used if sufficient head hair is not available.
How Long Does It Take To Have My Hair Tested?
The laboratory procedure generally takes 2-3 days. An additional day may be needed if the sample requires the verification of a test result. Results are returned via the United States Postal Service and we use USPS Priority Mail Service when applicable.
