Hair Mineral Analysis

Hair Mineral Analysis:

Hair mineral analysis is a test in which sample of a person's hair typically from the back of the head is sent to the laboratory for measurement of its mineral content. This discussion concerns multi-elemental hair analysis in which a single test is used to determine values for many minerals simultaneously. This type of analysis used by analysts, who claim that hair analysis can help them diagnose a wide variety of health problems and can be used as the basis for prescribing supplements.

The most common measuring instrument today is ICP-mass spectrometer. It is a highly sophisticated hybrid, computer-controlled machine costing several crores. 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.

Hair 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 India and a few exist overseas. All other laboratories send hair samples to one of the few labs that have the correct equipment and license to perform the test.