Everything You Need to Know About HTMA Hair Analysis and How to Get Started

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that reveals your body’s mineral imbalances and toxic metal exposure. Laboratories like Analytical Research Labs (ARL) and Trace Elements, Inc. provide comprehensive reports, which practitioners like Eileen Durfee use to create customized nutritional balancing programs. These tests analyze a wide range of minerals and toxic metals to give a full picture of your metabolic health.

Getting Your HTMA Test Kit from Wellness Shopping Online

When you order an HTMA test through Wellness Shopping Online, the process is easy and convenient. Customers in the USA will receive a kit with a Hair Sample Weight Scale to ensure the right amount of hair is submitted for accurate analysis. International clients receive lab forms via email and can send in their samples directly.

How to Prepare and Cut a Hair Sample for HTMA Testing

Proper preparation and collection of a hair sample are crucial for accurate Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) results. Follow the steps below to ensure your sample is clean, uncontaminated, and ready for testing.

Step 1: Preparing for the Hair Sample Collection

• Wash your hair: Use a simple shampoo without conditioners or styling products. Avoid dandruff shampoos, which may contain minerals that could alter the results.
• Timing: Collect the hair sample between 4 to 24 hours after washing. This allows natural oils to return without contaminating the hair.
• Water softeners: If you have a water softener at home, wash your hair two to three times with spring or unsoftened water to avoid contamination.

Step 2: Cutting the Hair Sample

• Use clean scissors: Use stainless-steel scissors or thinning shears. Do not use electric razors, as they can contaminate the sample with metal.
• Location: The best place to cut hair is from the back of the head, near the nape. Cut the hair close to the scalp.
• Length: The ideal sample length is 1-1.5 inches. Discard any longer sections and keep the part closest to the scalp.

Step 3: How Much Hair to Collect

• Amount: Collect around 125 mg of hair, which is about the size of a teaspoon or enough to cover a 20-cent coin.
• Short hair: If your hair is short, collect small samples from different spots on your head to ensure you have enough.

Step 4: Packaging the Sample

• Use paper envelopes: Place the sample in a clean paper envelope. Avoid using plastic bags or aluminum foil, as these can introduce contaminants.
• Labeling: Write your name, age, and the date of the sample collection on the envelope.

Following these instructions will ensure that your hair sample is suitable for analysis and that the results will accurately reflect your body’s mineral levels and potential exposure to toxic metals.