Tissue Mineral Analysis

HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS
© December 2009, The Center For Development

 

     HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) is an important screening test, rather than a diagnostic test.  Screening tests should provide a lot of information inexpensively, rapidly and non-invasively, which hair analysis can do.  Performed and interpreted correctly, it is, in fact, an extremely sophisticated method to assess the balance of the body chemistry, the metabolic type, levels of some toxic metals and provides information about trace mineral nutrition as well. It can also assess glandular activity, inflammation tendencies, blood sugar tolerance and so much more.

 

WHAT IS A HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS?  

 

     Technically, hair mineral analysis is a mineral biopsy type of test.  A biopsy is an analysis of a body tissue.  This one detects the levels of 20 or more minerals in the hair.  Hair is a soft tissue of the body, so one can say that HTMA is a soft tissue mineral biopsy that uses hair as the sampling tissue.
     Hair is extremely useful for testing many things besides minerals.  These include drugs, toxic chemicals and even DNA.  These, however, are not the focus of this article.  At times I have heard people say that hair is not helpful for testing the body, when in fact the very opposite is the truth.

 

WHY USE HAIR FOR ANALYSIS?

 

     Hair makes an excellent biopsy material for many reasons. Sampling is simple and non-invasive, and hair is a stable biopsy material.  It requires no special handling and will remain viable for years.  In addition, mineral levels in the hair are about ten times that of blood, making them easy to detect and measure accurately in the hair.
     Mineral levels are kept relatively constant in the blood even when pathology is present.  Hair mineral values often vary by a factor of ten or much more, making measurement easier and giving us a tremendous amount of accurate knowledge about the cells and the soft tissues of our bodies.
     Toxic metals are also much easier to detect in the hair.  They are not found in high concentrations in the blood except right after an acute exposure.  However, some of them tend to accumulate in the soft tissues, where they are far easier to detect and measure accurately.  However, toxic metals are one of the least important reasons for having a hair mineral analysis.
     Another reason we like the hair test is that blood tests can vary from hour to hour.  They can vary quite a lot depending upon one’s diet, activity level, the time of day and many other factors.  This is beneficial in some instances, but is often less helpful when seeking an overall metabolic reading.
     Finally, advancements in computer-controlled mass spectroscopy and other sciences have rendered the hair mineral biopsy an extremely cost-effective, accurate and reliable test if and when it is done right.  A separate article discusses Controversy in Hair Analysis.  This includes a long discussion of how the test should be done and why.

 

WHAT DOES HAIR TESTING MEASURE?

 

     HTMA provides a measure of the chemical elements deposited in the cells and between the cells of the hair.  It provides a reading of the deposition of the mineral in the hair during the 3-4 months during which the hair grew.  It does not measure the total body load of any mineral, as some claim.
     At least 20 elements are measured, depending on the laboratory.  The three classes of these elements are:

1) Macrominerals including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus.
2) Trace Minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, and some labs measure others.
3) Toxic Minerals including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, nickel and some labs offer others as well.
4) Ratios and patterns of all these minerals give a precise reading of many body functions, as explained later.

 

HOW ARE THE READINGS REPORTED?

 

     The mineral values are usually reported in three ways:

1. Milligrams per 100 grams, often written as mg%. 

 

2. Micrograms per gram or ug/g. This gives numbers that are 10 times higher than milligrams per hundred grams or mg%.  To convert the reading to mg%, simply move the decimal point one space to the left.  For example, if calcium is reported as 1210 ug/g, it is the same as 121 mg%

 

3. Parts per million or ppm. The readings are the same as ug/g.

 

WHAT DOES THE HAIR ANALYSIS MEASURE?

 

     The minerals listed above are the most important chemical elements used in the body.  They are locked into the hair as it grows.  One can assess:

 

·      Levels of all the 20-40 or more minerals.

·      Ratios between the minerals, of which there are four major ones and some 50-100 minor ones.  This adds significant complexity and a great deal more information.

·      Simple patterns consisting of combinations of the levels and/or ratios.  I use some 20-25 of these, but there are probably more.

·      Complex patterns consisting of combinations of simple patterns and various levels and ratios.  I use about 10 of these, and more are being discovered almost weekly.  They become very complex, at times.

·      Changes over time of all these, and the rate of change in all parameters.  This part of interpreting the test requires retests and comparisons between tests over time when a person has followed a nutritional balancing program.

·      Physical or biochemical interpretation of all the above.

·      Psychological or personality interpretation of the above.

·      The way the body is responding to stress in its environment.

·      Other levels of interpretation that have to do with movement patterns, for example. This means how a person moves or reacts to his biochemistry when in a particular pattern.  This is actually very helpful information for both doctor and client.

·      Karmic patterns. This is very esoteric, but it means how a person is caught or stuck, basically.  A goal of healing is to help a person move on in his or her life.  Many, however, are caught or stuck in some way and the test will quite often help a practitioner to know what is needed, be it a change in attitude, a therapy of some kind, or even just a kind reassurance that all is well and not to worry, and to move ahead with some plans or ideas.

 

     The test is also useful to monitor overall health and changes in health status, no matter what therapy is being employed by the practitioner.  The reason for this is that hair mineral analysis is not a therapeutic intervention, but simply a way to monitor the body at a very deep cellular level, and at even deeper levels, at times.

 

DOCUMENTATION

 

     Mineral analysis by mass spectroscopy and related methods is a standard testing procedure used at laboratories and universities throughout the world.  Hair mineral testing on human and animal populations has been carried out for over 80 years.
     Well over two million analyses have been performed.  Several thousand papers and other research have been published on this method of biological monitoring.  About 300 of these are listed by clicking on hair analysis references.
     Regarding toxic metals, the United States Environmental Protection Agency published a 300-page study in August 1979.  They reviewed over 400 journal articles on hair testing.  The authors concluded that hair is a "meaningful and representative tissue for biological monitoring for most of the toxic metals".

     Very few physicians are trained in hair tissue mineral analysis.  The author, himself medically trained, was also very skeptical about its use.  However, research and clinical experience with over 30,000 patients have dispelled any doubts as to its efficacy and significance for health care.

CHALLENGES TO THE VALIDITY OF HAIR ANALYSIS

     Several studies critical of hair analysis have been published.  Most criticism stems from two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  The first was published in August 1985, 254(8)1041-1045.
     In this study, standard hair analysis protocol was ignored in three ways, any one of which would be enough to discredit the entire study:

 

1. A few long pieces of his daughter’s hair were used.  This is not the correct way to do the test.  One must use small one-inch samples cut close to the scalp.  The ends of long hair are more subject to contamination and should never be used.
2. Samples were washed under the kitchen tap before being sent to the laboratory.  This is also a violation of standard hair sampling protocol.  Tap water is often rich in minerals.  Hair samples should never be washed in this manner.
3. Hair samples were mixed together by hand.  Here is another violation of standard protocol.  It is difficult or impossible to obtain a homogenous sample this way because hair tends to stick together.  Hair should have been powdered first and then mixed together, or at least cut into tiny parts before mixing.

4. The author had a clear conflict of interest.  He was, and may still be, the director of Quackwatch, an industry-funded group that specializes in debunking and deriding natural, alternative, complementary and holistic methods of healing.  In fact, the author of the study, I am told, operates over 30 website that he uses to denigrate holistic healing methods under various titles and pseudonyms.

5. Referencing for the study was horrible, ignoring the 400 studies that had been complied by the EPA only 6 years before.  Obviously, the author was either extremely ignorant about hair analysis research or did not care what the medical community really knew about it.    
6. The author admitted in the study that he had no professional experience with hair analysis whatsoever.  One must wonder why he was picked to author this study.

 

     Another study appeared in JAMA, #285, #1, Jan.3, 2001 that claimed to “revisit” the earlier one.  Six hair samples were cut from one person and sent to six laboratories for analysis.  Flaws in this study include:

 

1. An illegally operating, unlicensed mineral testing laboratory was included in the study. This lab reported the worst results, and was the basis for the authors conclusion that hair mineral analysis is unreliable.  This is so bizarre it is once again difficult to fathom.  Would JAMA publish a study of brain surgery procedures and use an illegally-operating hospital or a bogus surgeon?  I doubt it.

     Plenty of other hair testing labs could have been used, but the authors somehow found one that had lost its license.  This makes little sense, unless one wishes to discredit the field of hair analysis.

2. The “study” involved only one patient.  I learned in medical school that a report involving only one or two people is “anecdotal”, and not a valid study.  It is shocking that the Journal of the American Medical Association would accept such a report and print it.  It is also a poor reflection on the authors that they would draw any conclusions at all from this anecdotal “study”.

3. Rather than compare the raw data, the authors compared whether readings were reported as high, normal or low.  This is not a measure of the reliability of hair analysis, as they claim.  This is comparing the reference ranges of various laboratories, which is another issue altogether.

4. The authors demonstrated clear bias and ignorance of hair analysis.  They referred to the 1985 JAMA study, stating, “we decided to update Barrett’s results”.  This implies they were unaware or unconcerned with all the flaws in the earlier study.

5. Very poor referencing again. Very few studies of hair analysis were mentioned, and once again, the authors ignored hundreds of favorable studies of hair analysis.

6. Ignoring their own findings. In this anecdotal report, the two laboratories that do not wash the hair at the lab, ARL and TEI, provided identical results in 6 of 9 trace minerals and extremely close results on the other three.  In other words, in the only valid comparison of hair analysis laboratories, results indicated the exact opposite conclusion than that drawn by the authors.  This fact was completely overlooked and not reported by the authors in their discussion or conclusion.  Essentially, the anecdotal report indicated that when the hair is not washed at the lab, the results are astoundingly reliable and accurate, but this fact was ignored and the authors conclusion was the exact opposite of this truth.

 

The CDC report on hair analysis.  Another shameful government pronouncement on hair testing took place in 2001 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  A panel was assembled to evaluate “the state of the art of hair analysis”.  It involved seven “experts” in toxicology and other fields and 50 public observers.

The experts reviewed 7 studies of hair analysis to prepare for the meeting.  In addition, another 25 studies were cited during or after the meeting.  Based on this “review”, the panel concluded that hair analysis is not effective or reliable as a method of biological monitoring for toxic metals, with the exception of methyl mercury.   Flaws in this report include:

 

·      Extreme lack of references.  A review of only 32 studies of hair analysis should have disqualified this panel right away.  In addition, of the 32 papers, one was a CDC paper on toxic chemicals, one was a report on the anatomy and physiology of hair, and one was an article about controlling hair growth.  Another concerned Napoleon Bonaparte’s exposure to arsenic in 1816, while another was about regeneration and rate of hair growth in men.  One was also the 1989 recommended dietary allowances.  Totally ignored were literally hundreds of studies, many of which are in the reference section of this text.

·      Overlooking their own research.  There was no mention or citation of the government’s own 300-page review of over 400 studies of hair analysis conducted in August of 1979.  This was a real review that could have been updated by the CDC, had they cared to do so.  The earlier review concluded that hair testing was “meaningful and representative for biological monitoring for the major toxic metals”.

·      Unqualified experts.  The 7-member panel of ‘hair mineral analysis experts’ included 1) a professor of emergency medicine, 2) the president of an internal medicine consulting service, and 3) an employee in the Department of Health Education and Promotion at the ATSDR.  Also among the experts was Dr. Seidel, one of the authors of the second JAMA study described above.  This might be seen as obvious bias, since she was the lead author on a very negative study of hair analysis.  The reference for this panel discussion is www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hair_analysis/.

 

PREPARING THE HAIR FOR TESTING

 

     Accurate results depend on cutting hair samples correctly.  Here are basic rules for sampling the hair.

 

     1. Cut the sample from anywhere on the head.  The nape of the neck is excellent but other areas are fine as well.  Hair can be cut from other parts of the body, although these are not as accurate in most cases.

     2. Cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible for the most recent  and therefore the most accurate readings.

     3. Then measure about one inch or two centimeters from where it was cut on the head.  Cut off the rest of the long hair and throw it away.  Using even shorter hair is excellent.  The only problem is with long hair.

     4. The best way is usually to cut several little samples and combine them until the paper scale tips or until you have filled a small spoon or have 125 mg of hair.  (This is not a lot of hair.)

     5. Hair that has been tinted, dyed, highlighted, bleached or permanent-treated may be used.  If it has been bleached or permed, please wash the hair several times after the hair treatments before cutting the sample to remove the chemicals and allow the hair to grow out a little.

     6.Thinning shears or even a razor may be used if the hair is short.  It must be an electric razor, as we do not want the hair mixed with shaving cream or soap.  If thinning shears are used on long hair, it may be hard to tell which end was cut.

     7. Use a clean paper (not plastic) envelope to collect the hair.  Plastic is okay, but the hair tends to stick to it and is harder to remove easily.

     8. The sample must be sent to a licensed clinical laboratory for analysis.  The best labs are Analytical Research Labs in Phoenix, Arizona (our first choice) or Trace Elements, Inc. in Addison, Texas (our second choice because they read more minerals but results may not be as accurate and their corrective programs are not nearly as good).
     Do not use a lab that washes the hair, which is all the others we know of.  These labs are fine for toxic metals only.  They are not good at all, however, in terms of our type of interpretation of the electrolyte readings, which are notably inaccurate due to the washing procedure. 

 

HOW IS THE HAIR ANALYZED?

 

     The procedure described here is used at Analytical Research Laboratories in Phoenix, Arizona.  Similar, but at times less rigorous procedures may be used at other hair testing laboratories.

 

     1. Hair samples arriving at the laboratory are first cut into small pieces with surgical scissors.

     2. A precisely weighed amount of hair is digested overnight in nitric and perchloric acid.

     3.The following day the sample is rehydrated and placed in the measuring instrument to be assessed for minerals.
     The most common measuring instrument today is an ICP-mass spectrometer.  This is a highly sophisticated hybrid, computer-controlled machine costing several hundred thousand dollars.  It is not a “home or office unit”.   Any doctor who runs this test in his office is not using the same equipment and results may not be as accurate.
     Essentially, the dissolved sample is burned at a high temperature.  Each mineral gives off a characteristic spectrum or frequencies of light, which is picked up by sensitive detectors in the measuring instrument.  Calibration and precise control of the flame temperature are essential to obtain accurate readings.

     Licensing.  In America, hair mineral analysis laboratories are inspected annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration, Division of Health Standards and Quality.  An operating license is issued only if personnel and procedures meet rigorous standards.

     Quality Control.  Analytical Research Labs runs control samples and blank samples at the beginning, middle and end of every batch.  Also, small amount of hair is set aside and any readings that are far out of range are retested automatically at no extra charge.  This is not done at most laboratories.
     Hair tissue mineral analysis is not something that can be done in an office or at home.  If someone offers a test that is done at the office, it is not the same test.  Only about eight or nine laboratories offer commercial hair tissue mineral analysis in America and a few exist overseas.  All other laboratories send hair samples to one of the few labs that have the correct equipment and licensing to perform the test.

 

WASHING THE HAIR AT THE LABORATORY

 

     The danger of environmental contamination has prompted many mineral testing laboratories to wash the hair before analyzing it.  However, studies indicate this is far worse than the occasional contamination due to an environmental agent.  These include the following studies:

 

·      Leroy, R. (J Ortho Med., 1986;1(2)).

·      Seidel, et al.  (JAMA, 2001, 285, #1).  The authors compared hair test results from about six labs.  The results of the two laboratories that do not wash the hair samples showed excellent correlation, unlike some of the others.  One must obtain the actual test numbers to realize this, as it is not mentioned in the study.

·      Assarian, GS and Oberleas, D., (Clin Chem., 1977;23(9):1771-1772).

     These studies showed that washing the hair at the laboratory erratically and unpredictably removes calcium, sodium and potassium.  Zinc, magnesium, nickel and most other elements are also affected by washing. Thus, we recommend only using a laboratory that does not wash the hair at the laboratory.
     At this time, we are only aware of two labs that do not wash the hair.  These are Analytical Research Laboratories in Phoenix, Arizona, the lab we use, or Trace Elements, Inc.  The second laboratory is owned by a former employee of Analytical Research Labs.  He understands why the hair must not be tampered with before it is analyzed at the laboratory.
     Those who favor washing the hair at the lab contend that any mineral that is washed out is 'exogenous' - not really part of the hair.  Judging by the excellent predictability the mineral ratios provide when the hair is not washed, one is lead to conclude that the loosely bound minerals are not simply exogenous.  They are part of the biopsy material.

 

CONTAMINATION OF HAIR SAMPLES

 

     Some say that hair samples are inaccurate due to hair treatments and environmental contamination.  However, our experience indicates that shampoo, conditioners, rinses, hair dyes, tints, light sweating and air pollution generally do not significantly affect hair readings.
     Most people wash their hair frequently.  Most hair products do not contain many minerals that remain in the hair after the product is used.  Therefore the test is not affected.  Hair is not very porous, about 10% in men and 15% in women.  Most contaminants do not remain within the hair.
     However, swimming in pools can raise sodium and copper levels.  Heavy sweating immediately before cutting the sample can raise sodium and potassium readings.  ’Grecian Formula' and 'Youth Hair' hair dye contain lead.  They will elevate the lead level (and should be avoided!).
     Head & Shoulders shampoo can elevate the zinc level.  Selsun Blue shampoo can elevate the selenium level.  These contaminants are usually easy to identify on a hair test because the readings are heavily skewed.  Asking the patient what products are on their hair will usually be sufficient to rule out abnormal readings due to hair products.
     Showering may wash out a small percentage of water-soluble minerals.  However, minerals from the sweat or oil glands appear to re-establish an equilibrium on the hair within a half-hour after washing.  Of course, this re-equilibration cannot occur if the hair is washed after it is cut from the head at a laboratory.
     Bleach or other harsh chemicals used in permanents will have some effect on hair readings.  If possible, take a hair sample before having a permanent or bleaching.  After a beauty parlor permanent or bleaching treatment, it is best to let the hair grow out for several weeks.
     Second best is to wash the hair 4-5 times after these treatments before having a hair analysis.  However, if a person is very ill, a sample can be taken at any time.  It may not be perfectly accurate, but will provide enough information to begin a corrective program.

 

TESTING HAIR VERSUS TESTING THE BLOOD OR OTHER MATERIALS

 

     Analyzing hair tissue for chemical elements is quite different from testing blood, urine or feces, although all have great value in the right situation.  No one method is superior when used correctly.
     Hair mineral analysis, however, is our subject and ignorance abounds regarding its use.  Let us examine why hair mineral analysis is so helpful and why other tests do not measure the same thing:

 

1) A Systems Approach.   Hair analysis as I use the test is based on general systems theory.  Many practitioners do not approve of this use of the hair mineral test, however, so be warned if you share this article with them.  General systems theory is fascinating.  The basic principles are:

1) The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
2) One cannot understand a system from simply knowing the parts.
3) If one can identify behaviors of the whole system and some of the parts, one can accurately predict the behavior of many other parts.

     This approach to the body is quite different from conventional medicine, which often focuses on body parts or body systems rather than investigating the whole system first.  This is one reason hair mineral analysis is misunderstood and at times called a fraud by medical authorities.  A few of the whole system behaviors are listed here.

 

2) Energetic Analysis.  A hair analysis can provide an energetic analysis of the body.  Energy is a common denominator of health and fatigue is a common problem today.  Restoring one’s biochemical or adaptive energy is a key to healing.  This is one of the most basic general systems principles of the human or animal body.

 

3) Metabolic Typing.  This is an important whole system behavior.  I use it to guide the dietary recommendations and for nutritional supplement recommendations as well.  It has several other uses as well that are discussed in other articles on this website.

 

4) Personality, Emotional, and Mental Assessment.  Medical research confirms a close relationship between some diseases and certain personality or emotional traits.  Hair tissue mineral analysis is helpful to assess a person’s tendencies for anxiety, depression, irritability and others.
     One can also gain insights into emotional and mental disorders such as hyperkinetic behavior, autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other serious mental health conditions.  These are often linked to metabolic imbalances, some of which are quite simple to correct once they are identified.

 

5) Gland and Organ Insights.  Hair testing can provide indicators for glandular activity, liver and kidney function and carbohydrate tolerance.  Although other tests such as a glucose tolerance test (GTT) may be better in some cases, the hair tissue test can quickly screen for stress on major organs and a tendency for carbohydrate intolerance.  It is also far easier and less invasive in many instances.  At the same time, it provides insight into the cause of the problem.

 

6) Toxic Metal Assessment.  While hair is not best for all situations involving toxic metals, it is by far the simplest and most cost-effective way to assess general toxic metal status.  I say this after some 30 years experience
     Other methods of identifying toxic metals such as urine challenge tests, feces tests and the use of various diagnostic machines usually are just as unreliable for total assessment of toxic metal levels in the body because most of them are hidden deep within the tissues.
     The hair provides an overall reading that we find much more useful for most situations.  Also, other mineral patterns on the test give us subtle indicators of the presence of hidden toxic metals, an important subject that is beyond the scope of this article.
      No one can escape toxic metals today.  They are everywhere and on most things we eat, touch and breathe.  However, some people’s bodies carry many more than others.

 

7) Reducing guesswork in recommending diets, nutritional supplementation and detoxification methods.  Many physicians are becoming aware of natural healing methods, but apply them in a haphazard manner that can make matters worse.  Hair analysis for minerals can assess a person’s ability to withstand certain treatments and where problems may arise.

 

8) Trends or tendencies for over 50 common health conditions can be identified from a properly performed and interpreted hair tissue mineral analysis.  One can then begin preventive and corrective measures immediately, perhaps years before symptoms appear.
     This ability of a properly performed and properly interpreted hair analysis alone would save billions of dollars if it were used widely.  It is a wise and easy way to screen for tendencies for diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, cancer and many other serious conditions.

 

9) Other Assessments.  There are some 20 other assessments available through a properly performed and interpreted hair tissue mineral test.  Most of these are discussed in other articles on this website.

 

10) Monitoring Progress.  Hair analysis can help monitor a person’s healing progress, even if the person is not following a nutritional program.  Changes in body chemistry due to any cause may be reflected on the hair tissue mineral test.

 

CAN HAIR ANALYSIS HELP DESIGN NUTRITION PROGRAMS?

 

     Some authors criticize hair mineral testing when it is used to recommend nutritional supplements or even foods for improving one’s health.  In particular, vitamins may seem difficult to recommend because the test only detects mineral levels.  Let me explain how this is done, however, with a simple example.
     It is known that certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, can be used to help remove toxic metals.  Thus a practitioner may recommend supplementary vitamin C if a hair analysis reveals excessive toxic metals.  There are many other ways the test can be used to recommend herbs, vitamins and other nutritional products.

 

SUMMARY

 

     Hair tissue mineral analysis has now come of age, after some 40 years of experiential use.  It is widely used in biological monitoring of animal species. Its use with human beings will also grow as people understand its benefits for prevention and the correction of many human health conditions.
     For more details and case studies, read any of several articles on this site about hair mineral analysis such as Nutritional Balancing and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. 

 by Lawrence Wilson, MD

References And Resources

 

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