Heavy Metals Hair
HMH
Description
"Heavy Metals Hair" test detects long-term exposure to toxic metals—such as lead, mercury, or arsenic—by analyzing a small hair sample. It’s often used when symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained weakness suggest chronic metal buildup. Unlike blood tests, this method reveals accumulated exposure over time. Results help doctors identify environmental or occupational sources and guide treatment options like detox support or lifestyle adjustments. Ongoing hair analysis can track progress and help prevent further toxic accumulation.
Category
Metals, Minerals, Toxins
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Hair
Units
Micrograms Per Gram
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Toxicity Group, Metals Group
Test Group Description
Metals Group: By assessing various metal levels and related parameters, it offers insights into metal toxicity as well as associated health conditions. Toxicity Group: This group encompasses tests aimed at evaluating exposure to various toxins and pollutants, providing insights into potential toxicological concerns and environmental exposures.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Arsenic: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Barium: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Cadmium: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Lead: Conventional Unit: Not A...
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Arsenic: Conventional Unit: <1.00 µg/g | SI Unit: Not Applicable
Barium: Conventional Unit: <1.00 µg/g | SI Unit: Not Applicable
Cadmium: Conventional Unit: <0.065 µg/g | SI Unit: Not Applicable
Lead: Conventional Unit: &...
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Aluminum exposure
Arsenic poisoning
Cadmium exposure
Lead poisoning
Mercury toxicity
Nickel exposure
Wilson's disease (Genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism)
Key Reasons For Testing
Long-Term Exposure Assessment: Hair testing reflects long-term exposure to heavy metals over months to years.
Environmental Monitoring: Analyzes exposure to pollutants like lead, mercury, and arsenic from air, water, and food sources.
Occupational Screening: Screens workers in high-risk industries like mining and manufacturing for heavy metal contamination.
Chronic Toxicity Evaluation: Assesses cumulative exposure levels and health risks from prolonged heavy metal exposure.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of chelation therapy or interventions for reducing metal toxicity.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Wilhelm M, Pesch A, Rostek U, et al. Concentrations of lead in blood, hair, and saliva of German children living in different areas of traffic density. Sci Total Environ. 2002;297(1-3):109-118.
[2] Kempson IM, Lombi E. Hair analysis as a biomonitor for toxicology, disease and health status. Chem Soc Rev.2011;40(7):3915-3940.
[3] Harkins DK, Susten AS. Hair analysis: exploring the state of the science. Environ Health Perspect. 2003;111(4):576-578.
[4] Eastman RR, Jursa TP, Benedetti C, Lucchini RG, Smith DR. Hair as a biomarker of environmental manganese exposure. Environ Sci Technol. 2013;47(3):1629-1637.
[5] Rodushkin I, Axelsson MD. Application of double focusing sector field ICP-MS for multielemental characterization of human hair and nails. Part I. Analytical methodology. Sci Total Environ. 2000;250(1-3):83-100.
[6] Goulle JP, Mahieu L, Castermant J, et al. Metal and metalloid multi-elementary ICP-MS validation in whole blood, plasma, urine and hair. Forensic Sci Int. 2005;153(1):39-44.
[7] Miekeley N, Dias Carneiro MT, Porto da Silveira CL. How reliable are human hair reference intervals for trace elements? Sci Total Environ. 1998;218(1):9-17.
[8] Morton J, Carolan VA, Gardiner PE. Removal of exogenous contamination from human hair by different washing procedures and determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta. 2002;455(1):23-34.
[9] Appenzeller BM, Tsatsakis AM. Hair analysis for biomonitoring of environmental and occupational exposure to organic pollutants: state of the art and future perspectives. Toxicol Lett. 2012;210(2):119-134.
[10] Bencko V. Use of human hair as a biomarker in the assessment of exposure to pollutants in occupational and environmental settings. Toxicol. 1995;101(1-2):29-39.
[11] Seidel S, Kreutzer R, Smith D, McNeel S, Gilliss D. Assessment of commercial laboratories performing hair mineral analysis. JAMA. 2001;285(1):67-72.
[12] Raab A, Feldmann J. Comparison of levels of arsenic and metals in human hair, toenails, and fingernails in clinical and environmental studies. Sci Total Environ. 2005;338(1-2):69-76.