Quick Facts
- Sample: 0.25 grams untreated scalp hair
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5–7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Superior sensitivity - Hair concentrates toxic elements 200-300 times more than blood or urine
- Comprehensive screening - Tests 31 elements including toxic metals and essential nutrients
- Convenient at-home collection - No clinic visits or blood draws required
- Long-term exposure insight - Reflects weeks to months of element incorporation
- Early detection capability - Identifies metal toxicity before symptoms appear
- Treatment monitoring - Tracks detoxification progress over time
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained fatigue, hair loss, or cognitive changes
- People with high environmental or occupational metal exposure risk
- Those consuming high amounts of fish or seafood regularly
- Individuals considering or undergoing detoxification programs
- Health-conscious consumers pursuing preventive wellness screening
- Anyone experiencing symptoms of potential heavy metal toxicity
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Receive your at-home collection kit with detailed instructions
- Collect sample - Cut 0.25 grams of untreated hair from multiple scalp areas
- Get results - Secure online results in 5-7 days with reference ranges
FAQ
Can I use chemically treated hair for this test? No, dyed, permed, bleached, or chemically treated hair may yield inaccurate results due to contamination.
How does hair analysis compare to blood or urine testing? Hair provides superior sensitivity for chronic exposures, concentrating toxic elements up to 300 times higher than other samples.
What if my results show elevated toxic metals? Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss significance, potential sources, and appropriate follow-up testing or treatment.
How often should I repeat this test? Every 3-12 months for monitoring detoxification progress or ongoing exposure concerns.
Do I need to fast before collecting my hair sample? No fasting is required, but avoid metal-containing hair products before collection.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This specialized laboratory test evaluates hair samples for exposure to 31 essential and potentially toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis screens for toxic metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium while assessing nutritional elements such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Hair analysis provides insight into both recent and chronic exposures, reflecting weeks to months of element incorporation as hair grows (Doctor's Data 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with potential environmental or occupational exposure to metals benefit most from this testing. Those experiencing unexplained symptoms like fatigue, cognitive changes, mood disorders, or hair loss should consider screening. The test is particularly valuable for people with high-risk occupations, dietary patterns involving heavy fish consumption, or those living in areas with known environmental contamination (CDC 2022).
When should I order a Hair Toxic Element Exposure Profile?
Order this test when concerned about heavy metal exposure, experiencing unexplained symptoms, or before and after detoxification programs. It's recommended for individuals with high-risk occupations, excessive fish consumption, or living in older homes with potential lead exposure. The test is also valuable for monitoring treatment progress in known cases of metal toxicity (Mayo Clinic 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
Each element is reported with laboratory reference ranges for comparison. Results outside normal ranges require healthcare provider consultation for proper interpretation and follow-up planning.
Within reference range
- What it means: Normal exposure/status
- Typical action: Continue monitoring if indicated
Elevated toxic metals
- What it means: Excessive exposure detected
- Typical action: Identify sources, consider treatment
Low essential elements
- What it means: Nutritional deficiency possible
- Typical action: Assess diet, supplement if needed
High essential elements
- What it means: Excess intake or exposure
- Typical action: Review sources, adjust intake
Hair analysis is the CDC-recommended biomarker for monitoring chronic mercury exposure from fish consumption in pregnant women and children.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for hair collection. Avoid metal-containing shampoos or hair products before sampling. Do not use chemically treated hair (dyed, permed, bleached, or relaxed) as this may contaminate results. Take care to collect exactly 0.25 grams of untreated scalp hair from multiple areas close to the scalp using the provided collection instructions (Doctor's Data 2025).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and exposure risks. Regular monitoring helps track changes over time and treatment effectiveness.
- Initial screening: Baseline, then as needed
- High-risk occupation: Every 6–12 months
- Detoxification monitoring: Every 3–6 months
- Follow-up after treatment: 3–6 months post-treatment
- Ongoing exposure concerns: Every 6–12 months
Why early detection matters
Early identification of toxic metal exposure can prevent serious health consequences and reduce long-term medical costs. Approximately 1-2 million Americans are affected by lead poisoning annually, with subclinical exposures likely much higher (CDC 2023). Early detection and intervention for metal toxicity in children can save over $50,000 per individual in future medical and educational costs (AAP 2023). Prompt identification allows for source elimination and appropriate treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
Related tests you may consider
Heavy Metals Blood Panel - Detects acute or recent exposures in bloodstream, especially valuable for lead and mercury assessment.
Random Urine Toxic Metal Analysis - Monitors kidney excretion of metals and tracks chelation therapy effectiveness.
NutrEval® Plasma Test Kit - Blood test quantifying essential minerals to complement hair findings and confirm nutrient status. These tests work together to provide comprehensive metal exposure and nutritional status evaluation.
