Diagnostic Tests

Hair Tissue Mineral analysis

Hair is formed in the dermis from a cluster of matrix cells that make up the hair follicle.  During the growth phase, metabolic activity is greatly increased, exposing the hair to the internal metabolic enviroment that includes the balance of vitamins and minerals as well as toxic elements stored in the body.  Hair is the second most metabolically active tissue that provides a permanent record of the metabolic activity occuring within the body.  

A hair sample is taken from the back of the head, as close to the scalp as possible - the first inch of hair growth from the base of the scalp can provide a good indication of the nutrient and toxic metal exposure over the previous 8-16 weeks.  

Why hair?

Blood and serum do contain minerals, but they may not be completely representative of the body's mineral storage as the body constantly works to maintain homeostasis of the body's mineral biochemistry and therefore the balance changes throughout the day.