Extensive research established that scalp hair element levels are related to human
systemic levels. The strength of this relationship varies for specific elements, and
many researchers consider hair as the tissue of choice for toxic and several
nutrient elements. Unlike blood, hair element levels are not regulated by homeostatic
mechanisms. Thus, deviations in hair element levels often appear prior to over
symptoms and can thereby be a valuable preliminary tool for predicting the development of
physiological abnormalities.
Test Procedure
With respect to its contained elements, hair is essentially an excretory tissue
rather than a functional tissue. Hair element analysis provides important information
which, in conjunction with symptoms and other laboratory values, can assist the physician
with an early diagnosis of physiological disorders associated with aberrations in
essential and toxic element metabolism.
As protein is synthesized in the hair follicle, elements are incorporated permanently
into the hair with no further exchange or equilibration with other tissues. Scalp hair
is easy to sample, and beacuse it grows an average of one to two cm oer month, it contains
a "temporal record" of element metabolism and exposure to toxic elements.
Nutrient elements including magnesium, chromium, zinc, copper and selenium are obligatory
co-factors for hundreds of important enzymes and also are essential for the normal functions
of vitamins. The levels of these elements in hair are highly correlated with levels
in organs and other tissues.
Toxic elements may be up to severeal hundred times more highly concentrated in hair
than in blood or urine. THerefore, hair is the tissue of choice for detection of recent
exposure to elements such as arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, lead, antimony, and mercury.
Through recent vast improvements in technology, instrumentation, and application of
scientific protocols, hair element analysis has become a valuable tool in providing
dependable and sueful data for physicians and their patients. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency stated in a recent report that "...if hair samples are properly collected
and cleaned, and analyzed by the best analytic methods, using standards and blanks as
required, in a clean and reliable laboratory by experienced personnel, the data are reliable."
(U.S.E.P.A. 60/4-79-049)
Hair, however, is culnerable to external elemental contamination by means of certain shampoos,
bleaches, dyes, and curing or straightening treatments. Therefore, the first step in
the interpretation of a hair element report is to rule out sources of external contamination.
Hair element analysis is a valuable and inexpensive screen for the physiological excess,
deficiency or maldistribution of elements. It should not be considered a stand-alone
diagnostic test for essential element function, and should be used in conjunction with patient
symptoms and other laboratory tests.
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