Hair Mineral Analysis Test (TMA)

Hair Mineral Analysis

A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) by Analytical Research Labs simply stated, is a screening test that measures the mineral content and mineral ratios of your hair. However, a hair tissue mineral analysis is much more than a test for minerals.

We have found in clinical practice that this is one of the most cost effective screening methods for imbalances in the body. We have used this test for over twenty years and have been very happy with it. We still consider it one of our primary screening tests.



Mineral Blueprint

Providing a mineral blueprint of one’s biochemistry, a hair tissue mineral analysis can provide pertinent information about your metabolic rate, energy levels, sugar and carbohydrate tolerance, stage of stress, immune system and glandular activity.

A hair tissue mineral analysis performed by Analytical Research Labs, Inc., is a screening test for the level of 20 minerals and toxic metals in a sample of hair. It is a tissue mineral biopsy that is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive and extremely accurate. Our laboratory uses only the most advanced and sophisticated instrumentation available today, the Perkin Elmer Elan 9000 ICP Mass Spectrometer to assess mineral levels in parts per million or parts per billion.

A hair tissue mineral analysis is considered a standard test used around the world for the biological monitoring of trace elements and toxic metals in humans and animals species. The same technology is used for soil testing and testing of rock samples to detect mineral levels.

Hair, like all other body tissues, contains minerals that are deposited as the hair grows. Although the hair is dead, the minerals remain as the hair continues to grow out. A sample of hair cut close to the scalp provides information about the mineral activity in the hair that took place over the past three to four months, depending on the rate of hair growth.

Why is Our Hair Analysis Unique?
Several factors combine to make our hair tissue mineral analysis the best in the industry!

ARL is one of only two laboratories that do not wash the hair at the laboratory. Washing hair samples at the laboratory has been shown to erratically wash out the water-soluble elements. This creates much less accurate results. In a 2001 study in the Journal of the AMA (Seidel, S. et al., Assessment of Commercial Laboratories Performing Hair Mineral Analysis, JAMA, 285(1) Jan 3:67-72.) the two laboratories that did not wash the hair, of which we were one, showed superb reliability.

ARL uses technologically advanced testing instruments, including the Perkin Elmer Elan 9000 ICP Mass Spectrometer.

ARL automatically retests any reading that is out of a normally expected range, provided sufficient hair is available for a second sample.

Test results are printed on an easy-to-read graph, unlike many of the other laboratories. This is a great benefit for both practitioners and their clients as well. The printed graph includes the mineral results, major mineral ratios and the oxidation type.

ARL offers the only complete individualized test interpretation by the method developed by the late Dr. Paul C. Eck, our founder. This 15-20 page report is unique as it includes information related to your metabolic rate, energy levels, sugar and carbohydrate tolerance, immune system, autonomic balance, glandular activity and metabolic trends, a personal dietary supplement program, basic diet recommendations and other information that can be inferred from the test results.