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Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

Hair analysis using ICP-Mass Spectrometer

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What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

HTMA or hair analysis is a scientific test, which measures the mineral contents

of one's hair. A small sample of hair from the scalp is taken and sent to a

licensed laboratory for analysis. Highly sophisticated equipment at the

laboratory accurately identifies and measures the amount of minerals and

other substances in the hair. At the laboratory, the most advanced equipment

called ICP-Mass Spectrometer is used in a clean-room under strict quality

control.

Biological Basis of HTMA

Structure of human hair Hair is formed in the dermis from a cluster of matrix cells that make up the follicle. As the hair is being formed, prior to extrusion from the scalp, it is exposed to the blood, lymph, and intra-cellular fluids. During this time, it accumulates all constituents present in this internal environment, including minerals and other substances. As the hair protrudes from the scalp, the cortex of the hair shaft hardens and evidence of this internal metabolic environment is preserved as a convenient record. Even drugs consumed during this developmental process is captured in the hair.

Your hair contains all the minerals present in your body. It also reflects how much of these minerals are in your tissues. Results from your hair analysis provide a vivid picture of your body's internal environment. With this information, your internal metabolic events can be interpreted. Not only can your nutritional status be viewed, but you can also learn much about how efficiently your body is working.

Hair is the second most metabolically active tissue in the body. By the very nature of its formation, it is a useful biological sample that provides a permanent record of metabolic activities occurring within the body during its period of growth. The first inch and one-half of hair closest to the scalp (nape region) can give a good indication of the nutrient and toxic metal exposure over the previous six to eight weeks. A mineral deficiency or excess revealed in the hair test can indicate a possible deficiency, excess, or bio-unavailability of that mineral within the body.

Tissue mineral analysis is a good indicator of the metabolic

processes occurring within the cells (intracellular).

The Environmental Protection Agency (USA)

Hair is especially suitable for biological monitoring for exposure assessment as well as global, regional, and local surveillance monitoring. The use of hair has advantages over other tissues. Monitoring metals in the urine measures the component that is excreted. Blood on the other hand, measures the component that is absorbed and temporarily in circulation before it is excreted and/or sequestered into storage depots. (EPA 600/3-80-089, 1980)

Investigators in Japan, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and the United States have shown that concentrations of elements in the hair provide an accurate and permanent record. A close correlation was noted between trace element levels in the hair and internal organs.