Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

This test measures the following minerals and trace elements in your hair sample.

Nutrient Minerals

• Calcium

• Chromium

• Cobalt

• Copper

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• Molybdenum

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Selenium

• Sodium

• Sulfur

• Zinc

Potentially Toxic Elements

• Aluminium

• Arsenic

• Beryllium

• Cadmium

• Lead

• Mercury

• Uranium

Additional Trace Elements

• Barium

• Bismuth

• Germanium

• Lithium

• Nickel

• Platinum

• Rubidium

• Strontium

• Thallium

• Tin

• Titanium

• Tungsten

• Vanadium

• Zirconium

Mineral Ratios

The report also compares selected minerals within the hair sample. These ratios describe the relative amounts of particular elements and are reviewed within the context of your overall assessment.

This analysis can highlight:

• Minerals and trace elements measured above or below the laboratory’s hair reference ranges

• Differences in the relative amounts of selected minerals within the sample

• Findings that may prompt a closer review of environmental exposures, hair products or sample contamination

• Questions that may warrant further clinical assessment or confirmatory testing

Hair mineral levels do not directly measure your body’s overall nutrient stores. A result outside the laboratory’s reference range does not, by itself, confirm a nutritional deficiency or metal toxicity.

This test may be considered for individuals who:

• Want to explore their hair mineral profile as part of a broader health assessment then pathology or stool testing

• Would like practitioner support to understand their results and their limitations

• Have discussed whether hair mineral testing is appropriate for their concerns

• Understand that some findings may require further investigation

If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, hair loss or symptoms you believe may relate to a nutrient deficiency or metal exposure, speak with your practitioner before ordering. This helps ensure the most appropriate investigations are selected.

Once your laboratory results are available, you will be required to book a results consultation to review your report.

During this session, your findings are considered alongside your symptoms, health history, diet, medications, supplements and existing test results.

Your consultation may include discussion around:

• What your hair mineral measurements show

• Which findings may be relevant to your health concerns

• Factors that may have influenced the sample, including hair treatments or external contamination

• Whether further testing or medical review is appropriate

• Nutrition and lifestyle strategies based on your overall assessment

• Supplementation where clinically appropriate

The aim is to give you a clear understanding of your report and practical next steps.

Correct preparation and collection help reduce the risk of sample contamination.

• Follow the collection instructions supplied with your test

• Use clean, untreated scalp hair

• Wash your hair with plain, non-medicated shampoo and rinse thoroughly

• Ensure the hair is free from gels, oils and styling creams

• Cut as close to the scalp as possible, keeping only the 3 cm nearest the scalp

• Collect approximately 125 mg of hair, using the supplied weighing guide where available

• Place the sample in the designated paper envelope

• Do not place the sample in plastic or foil

• Complete the required request form before returning your sample

  
  

If your hair is dyed, bleached or permed, contact the clinic before collecting. You will need sufficient untreated regrowth for a suitable sample.

Your laboratory report shows the concentrations of minerals and trace elements detected in your hair, together with reference ranges and selected mineral ratios.

As your practitioner I will explain what these measurements mean, which findings need further consideration and where interpretation is limited.

Hair treatments, external contamination, collection methods and differences in hair growth can influence results.

HTMA does not independently diagnose nutritional deficiencies, thyroid or adrenal conditions, or heavy metal poisoning. It does not replace appropriate blood, stool or urine testing.

Choosing supplements starts with understanding your symptoms, diet, health history and current medicines.

Appropriate testing can help answer specific clinical questions. However, hair mineral results alone are not sufficient grounds for high-dose supplementation or treatments intended to remove metals from the body.

As your practitioner I will help you to consider the full picture before recommending supplements, including:

• Whether there is a clear reason to use them

• Whether further investigations are needed

• Potential interactions with medicines or other supplements

• An appropriate dose and duration

• When to review your response

This helps keep recommendations purposeful, individualised and appropriate for your needs.

Your results are one part of your health picture.

Working with a practitioner helps you understand which findings may be relevant, which may reflect external influences and which require further investigation.

Your report is reviewed alongside your:

• Symptoms and health history

• Diet and lifestyle

• Medication and supplement use

• Occupational and environmental exposures

• Hair treatments and sample collection details

• Existing test results

• Personal health goals

Together, we translate the available information into clear, practical next steps.