Why have hair mineral analysis done?

• To determine whether a person has had excessive exposure to toxic elements including lead, mercury and arsenic: the heavy metals known to cause serious health problems.  Toxic elements concentrate in soft tissue rather than blood or urine, so hair analysis is uniquely suited for measuring toxic elements.
• To determine the absorption and assimilation of nutritionally important elements (e.g. iron, copper) for assessment of nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.

How do you prepare for a hair mineral analysis?

• If a medicated shampoo (ex selenium-containing anti-dandruff shampoo, or lead-containing grey removing shampoo) is commonly used, patient should discontinue and use a non-medicated shampoo for 3 days prior to collection. 
• Hair should be free of gels, oils or hairspray on day of collection.
• Wait a minimum of 1 hour after washing hair before collecting sample and avoid vigorous exercise prior to collection.