Guidelines for Cutting HTMA Hair Samples

The accuracy of a mineral analysis depends on many factors. While the laboratory is responsible for the technical aspects of the test, the results will only be as good as the sample that is sent. The more care that is exercised by the person taking the sample, the more accurate the results will be. The following guidelines have been provided by Analytical Research Labs.

Please contact me if you need a diagram or additional assistance procuring your hair samples.

HOW TO CUT YOUR HAIR SAMPLE FOR A HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS GUIDELINES

·        Head hair taken from the nape will provide the best sample. Take several small samples from the general area at the nape in order to eliminate bald spots.

·        Wait at least 4 hours after washing the hair to take the sample and no longer than 20 hours.

·        If you blow dry your hair, you still must wait 4 hours before cutting the sample.

·        The lab needs 125 milligrams of clean hair or approximately 1 tablespoon of hair.

·        Use the weigh scale for accuracy. Very fine hair or baby hair may not tip the scale in which case you can measure using a tablespoon.

·        Hair sample should not be any longer than 1 ½ inches in length (3.81 centimeters).

·        Cut long hair to 1 ½ inches, using the end closest to the scalp (see the diagram on the back of the order form). Longer is not better.

·        Shorter is fine. It is the quantity that is important – 125 milligrams.

·        Do not apply any kind of oil to your hair before taking the sample.

·        Do not take the sample if you have been sweating after you have washed your hair.

·        Hair that is shaved off with an electric shaver is not acceptable.

Put the hair in the envelope provided or any small clean paper envelope.

·        Do not send the hair in a plastic bag.

·        Do not wrap hair in aluminum foil, or staple or tape the sample to paper.

·        Do not mix hair sources, such as half head hair and half pubic hair.

·        Since hair does not deteriorate with time, the samples can be stored in a clean/dry environment indefinitely.

Please print clearly on both the order form and the hair sample envelope.

·        Complete ALL the information on Part 2 of the ARL lab form.

·        Be sure to complete all the statistics, age, weight, etc. (This is very important especially for children).

·        A client’s lab number will be assigned with the initial test and will follow the client through retesting.

 Please use the Contact Form if you have further questions and Purchase your HTMA at the Services Store.

The entire contents of this website/article are based upon the opinions of Doreen McCafferty NLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Doreen McCafferty, NLC and her community. Doreen McCafferty encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. All information in this article is for educational purposes only and not designed to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. 

 The entire contents of this website/article are based upon the opinions of Doreen McCafferty NLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Doreen McCafferty, NLC and her community. Doreen McCafferty encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. All information in this article is for educational purposes only and not designed to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.