Hair Analysis-Mercury testing-Instructions

Read before proceeding
	Specimens for hair element analysis which most accurately reflect current element status are those cut from the fresh hair growth at the nape of the neck or back of the head.

	A quantity of 1.0 gram of hair is requested for the analysis. This should be weighed using the specimen balance provided. Hair specimen's should be cut as close to the scalp as possible and limited to the first 1-1.5 inches of new hair growth. Do not mix hair from different body locations.

	When the hair has been recently cosmetically treated with bleach or permanent wave solutions, it is advisable to wait 8-10 weeks after such treatments and then collect the hair specimen from the first inch of new growth. These treatments can alter some mineral levels, notably calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and nickel, and interfere with proper result interpretations.

	Use of pubic or other body hair for elemental analysis is best reserved for situations where head hair is unavailable or for confirmatory testing purposes to distinguish between external contamination of hair as opposed to internal absorption of toxic elements.

IMPORTANT

The individual collecting the hair specimen should be sure to wash and dry their hands before cutting or handling the hair specimens. Also, to avoid contaminating the specimen, please do not set hair on dirty surfaces.

For Medium to Long Hair
	1) Horizontally part the hair in the middle of the back of the head and pull it up and out of the way. 2) Cut a thin strip of hair below the part and close to the scalp. along the entire length of the part, or cut small patches of hair from several spots along the part.
	3) Cut off and discard the ends of the hair. Those strands which are longer than or exceed 1-1.5 inches in length from the scalp. Weigh the remaining hair on the specimen envelope which also acts as a balance scale. By placing a pen or pencil along and under the dotted line (actually under the envelope) found across the specimen envelope you will create the fulcrum or see saw effect nesessary to weigh the hair sample. Place hair specimen on the boxed area marked "PLACE HAIR SAMPLE HERE". 4) Make another horizontal part about one inch below the first and repeat steps 2) and 3). Continue this process until the required one gram (no less than 0.5 gram) of hair is obtained. Put the weighed hair in the specimen envelope provided. Be careful not to seal hair strands under the gummed flap of the envelope.

For Short Hair
	1) When head hair is very short and cannot be pinned up as described above, stainless steel scissors or thinning shears may be used to carefully trim hair until the required one gram (no less than 0.5 gram) of hair is obtained. 2) Weigh hair on the specimen balance and place it into the specimen envelope provided.

Customized Dietary, Nutritional and Herbal Information