The hair mineral analysis, or hair tissue analysis, is a laboratory test that uses hair as the sample and, using sophisticated spectrophotometric analytical techniques, measures the concentration of the main minerals present in the sample.
The test is carried out by taking 3 cm of hair from the back of the head, at the base of the skull, about 0.5 grams in total. The sample must be obtained in small amounts from different areas of the occipital region, cutting the hair as close as possible to the scalp. The length must not exceed 3 cm. The hair is washed with a neutral solution to remove outside substances and then dissolved in an acid solution so that it can be analysed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer that can measure the amount of minerals contained in the hair
Clinical significance
Mineral balance is essential for our health. Many disorders, both psychological (depression, emotional problems, etc.) and physical (hair loss, diabetes, allergies, headaches, joint pain), depend on a lack of essential minerals in our diet.
An excess of toxic metals in our body also causes many disorders, both nervous (panic, phobias, depression, hyperactivity, etc.) and physical (kidney and digestive disorders, hearing and vision problems).
Hair tissue shows what is happening inside the cells and what is being stored in the body. The hair test is therefore ideal for detecting toxic metals or any deficiencies of the minerals needed for optimal health. All minerals must be in balance for the body to work properly: for example, if calcium and magnesium are too low, there may be muscle spasms or sleep disturbances; if sodium and potassium are too high, there may be hyperactivity.
Tests available
Basic test
Detects 20 elements:
– 11 essential minerals: calcium, sodium, copper, iron, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, potassium, manganese;
– 5 toxic elements: aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury;
– trace minerals: nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, lithium.
The turnaround time is about 3 weeks from receipt of the sample.
Cost: €200.00
Extended test covering 39 elements
Analyses the following minerals: aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, calcium, chromium, lithium, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, potassium, cobalt, manganese, boron, strontium, vanadium, zirconium, antimony, barium, beryllium, thallium, tin, titanium, uranium, bismuth, germanium, iodine, platinum, rubidium, silver, sulphur, thorium.
The turnaround time is about 4 weeks.
Cost: €310.00
How it is done
The test can be carried out on various biological samples, including keratin (hair).