Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), is an analytical test which measures the mineral content of the hair. Testing is performed using highly sophisticated detection equipment and methods to achieve the most accurate and precise results.

PROFILE 2
Multi-Element Assay (36 Elements) of Hair Includes: Comprehensive reports for both the Doctor and the Patient.

PATIENT REPORT:

• Copy of the test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
• A complete individualized evaluation and detailed discussion of the patient's metabolic type, current mineral levels and ratios, and their impact upon body chemistry.
• Recommendations of specific foods and food groups, along with an explanation of why each food is suggested.
• Supplement recommendations based upon age, sex, metabolic type, mineral patterns and specific need as seen on the tissue mineral analysis and other accompanying clinical test data and history. (Subject to changes by the attending health-care professional)

DOCTOR REPORT:

• File copy of the test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
• An individualized, technically-oriented, interpretive report of mineral levels, ratios and their impact upon specific health conditions that are listed and discussed.
• Recommendations of other clinical tests that may be performed to confirm clinical or sub-clinical trends as indicated from the hair tissue mineral analysis data.
• Supplement recommendations based upon age, sex, metabolic type, mineral patterns and specific need as seen on the tissue mineral analysis and other accompanying clinical test data.

PROFILE 3 (For Retest Only)
Multi-Element Assay (36 Elements) of Hair Includes: Comprehensive Patient Evaluation and Doctorís File Copy of Test Results.

PATIENT REPORT:

• Copy of the current and previous test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
• A complete individualized evaluation and comparison of current mineral levels and ratios with previous test data. Each evaluation will include discussion of changes in mineral patterns, as indicated.
• Recommendations of specific foods and food groups, along with an explanation of why each food is suggested.
• Modifications in supplement recommendations as indicated from the tissue mineral analysis and other accompanying clinical test data and history. (Subject to changes by the attending health-care professional)

DOCTOR REPORT:

• File copy of the current and previous test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
• Modifications in supplement recommendations.

PROFILE 10 (Canine)
Multi-Element Assay of the Hair

One copy of the test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
Individualized supplement recommendations based solely upon the hair mineral patterns found.


PROFILE 16 (Equine)
Multi-Element Assay (26 Elements) of the Hair

• One copy of the test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
• A complete individualized evaluation and discussion of mineral patterns and their relationship to metabolic function and performance.
• Tissue mineral levels related to feed and water mineral content are also discussed. 
• Supplement recommendations are included and are based solely upon the hair mineral patterns found.

Languages Available

• PROFILE 2:   English - Spanish - French - Italian - German - Portuguese - Polish - Swedish
• PROFILE 3:   English - Spanish - Swedish
• PROFILE 10:  English
• PROFILE 16:  English

 
Element Panels

Elements routinely tested in Profiles 1, 2 & 3
Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Selenium, Boron, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Sulfur, Uranium, Arsenic, Beryllium, Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, Aluminum, Germanium, Barium, Bismuth, Rubidium, Lithium, Nickel, Platinum, Thallium, Vanadium, Strontium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Zirconium.

Elements routinely tested in Profiles 10 and 16:
Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Selenium, Boron, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Sulfur, Uranium, Arsenic, Beryllium, Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, Aluminum, Germanium, Barium, Lithium, Nickel, Platinum, Vanadium, Strontium, Tin, Tungsten, Zirconium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hair mineral analysis?
Why use the hair? Why not use the blood?
Why test for minerals?
What can cause a mineral imbalance?
Can vitamin requirements be determined from a mineral test?
What does my office receive when I order a complete hair analysis profile?
Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis supported by research?



Q.   What is hair mineral analysis?
A.    Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), is an analytical test which measures the mineral content of the hair. The sampled hair, obtained by cutting the first inch and one-half of growth closest to the scalp at the nape of the neck, is prepared in a licensed clinical laboratory through a series of chemical and high temperature digestive procedures. Testing is then performed using highly sophisticated detection equipment and methods to achieve the most accurate and precise results.


Q.    Why use the hair? Why not use the blood?
A.    Hair is ideal tissue for sampling and testing. First, it can be cut easily and painlessly and can be sent to the lab without special handling requirements. Second, clinical results have shown that a properly obtained sample can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long term or even acute exposure.

A HTMA reveals a unique metabolic world: intracellular activity, which cannot be seen through most other tests. This provides a blueprint of the biochemistry occurring during the period of hair growth and development.

Examples:

Thirty to 40 days following an acute exposure, elevated serum levels of lead may be undetectable. This is due to the body removing the lead from the serum as a protective measure and depositing the metal into such tissues as the liver, bones, teeth and hair.

Calcium loss from the body can become so advanced that severe osteoporosis can develop without any appreciable changes noted in the calcium levels in a blood test.

Symptoms of iron deficiency can be present long before low iron levels can be detected in the serum.

Hair is used as one of the tissues of choice by the Environmental Protection Agency in determining toxic metal exposure. A 1980 report from the E.P.A. stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of the highest priority toxic metals. This report confirmed the findings of other studies in the U.S. and abroad, which concluded that human hair may be a more appropriate tissue than blood or urine for studying community exposure to some trace elements.


Q.    Why test for minerals?
A.    Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of the life process.

Zinc is involved in the production, storage and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth hormones.

Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially the heart. A deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of heart attacks, anxiety and nervousness.

Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, depression and lethargy.

Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health.

In the words of the late author and noted researcher, Dr. Henry Schroeder, trace elements (minerals) are "...more important factors in human nutrition than vitamins. The body can manufacture many vitamins, but it cannot produce necessary trace minerals or get rid of many possible excesses."