3 Different Hair Analysis Tests—Which Is Your Best Option?
There are three main types of hair analysis: drug testing, mineral and metal testing, and microscopic forensic testing. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Which one is best for you? That depends on your needs and what you're looking to find out about your hair. In this blog post, we will discuss the three types of hair analysis and help you decide which one is right for you!
What is Hair Analysis and How Does It Work
Hair analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides insight into the general health of an individual or it can help provide insight into the compounds of the hair strand being analyzed. This all depends on the type of hair analysis being implemented. For health purposes, it works by analyzing a hair sample to measure the mineral content of the body. The process, also called hair mineral analysis or hair tissue mineral analysis, requires a small sample of hair (usually 1 to 2 inches) taken from close to the scalp. This sample is then sent off to a laboratory, where it's analyzed for various elements such as calcium and magnesium, as well as toxic metals like lead and arsenic. It's this information that can be used to assess present and potential health problems which would then be monitored and supported with a personalized diet and supplement program.
Though it has from times been used to detect mineral deficiencies and nutrient imbalances in the body, more recently this practice has seen increased in finding potential indicators for depression and thyroid function issues. To get the results of a hair analysis test, a small sample at least one inch long and half an inch wide, as mentioned above, is taken from the scalp of an individual with sterile scissors. This sample is then examined by professionals using special microscopic/spectroscopic techniques to reveal intricate details about its composition as well as its alteration over time which is helpful in understanding both physical and psychological health issues.
Below, we felt it’d be important to point out there are three different types of hair testing out there, and if you’re looking for something to improve your health, you should be aware of the differences they all hold.
The 3 Different Types of Hair Analysis Tests
Drug Testing
We are living in an increasingly health-conscious world, and drug testing is becoming a more common method to keep track of people's habits. This type of hair testing is utilized as a method of drug testing, specifically for employers, sports or court-ordered probation testing. Unlike blood or urine sampling, hair has the tendency to accumulate toxins, like substances including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, etc., within a 90 day average for it slowly comes out of the hair. Blood and urine sampling are simply a snapshot in time from the past 24 hours (for blood work) or 2-3 days (for urine samples), depending on the substance, thus can be unreliable. Ideally, labs prefer scalp hair, for it has the ability to grow longer than an inch, for most the part. Other types of body hair, including beard, pubic or underarm don’t grow as consistently and have the tendency to stop growing after a while. Typically, an inch could be enough as a sample depending if the hair is thick and heavy enough, but for those with finer hair, an inch and a half might be preferable.
Mineral and Metal Testing
Did you know that something as simple as an HTMA (Hair Test Mineral Analysis) of your hair can provide incredible insight about your wellness? Mineral and metal testing through hair analysis is an important tool for monitoring the health of the human body. It is important to understand the vital minerals in our body and what enzyme reactions they cause. By being cognizant of the minerals tested, you can be aware if your body has mineral deficiency in any one of them. Hair analysis allows us to get a better understanding of our unique mineral levels by giving us specific insight on different minerals within our bodies. This information can allow us to make dietary changes and supplement with certain nutrients that are lacking in order to maintain overall balance and well-being.
Mineral and metal testing as hair analysis is a great way to gain insight into metabolic patterns and metabolic trends. A hair sample can give you an indication of what could be causing your ill-health. All the minerals and metals lie underneath the surface layers of your hair. As well as being an option to look further into medical issues that may arise, mineral and metal testing through hair analysis contains indications of macro and micro minerals, heavy metals and toxic elements, which allows for a wider range of research than looking only at the results from urine tests. Almost every enzyme reaction in our bodies is regulated by minerals so it’s important that balance is kept between those essential and non-essential elements within our systems to ensure overall good health.
Microscopic Forensic Testing
Have you ever been curious how law enforcement teams investigate and solve cases? One notable forensic method is microscopic hair analysis. As hair grows, it can absorb trace elements from the immediate environment, making it a valuable soft tissue to study. Hair also reveals many biological status markers such as your immune system strength or metabolic dysfunctions. The professionals analyze this information to rule out individuals who were not present during events or crime scenes. Through careful examinations of such markers found in hair strands, investigators are able to form an intriguing picture of what truly happened at the time of the event. Microscopic forensic testing has been immensely important to justice systems all around the world!
Understanding Your Results
Understanding your results is one of the most important steps for taking control of your health. By analyzing your nutritional profile, lab results, and energy levels from metabolic activity, you can establish a baseline for your health so you can see how changes in diet or other activities affect you. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing health conditions that require special attention. Remember: knowledge is power! Taking control of understanding your results puts you in the driver's seat towards improved health and well-being.
The way you understand the results can be a great way to take control of your health and get on the path to wellness. After getting your hair test, the recommended dietary changes and product details can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Taking small steps every day will help lead you closer to understanding how minerals affect your body and how certain supplements might benefit you. Try documenting your mineral intake for a few months leading up to another hair test, so that you can finally understand what’s going on inside your body. With just a few steps, taking control of your health has never been easier! A good way to measure your patterns is by working with a practitioner and getting an HTMA test done through us by clicking here! By having a personalized protocol and tracking your mineral patterns through an HTMA you’ll have a better understanding of how things are working inside your body.
Tips for Maximizing Your Results from the Test
Taking a test can often be a daunting experience, but there are tips to help you make sure your results are the best they can be.
- Avoid coloring or bleaching your hair, we ideally want it untreated.
- Opt for scalp hair if possible and try to grow about 1-2 inches enough in length.
- Have access to a pair of stainless steel and clean scissors to cut.
- Understand that this sample will be an average of your health for the past 3 months, so don’t change anything out of the ordinary. If you’re planning to try a new supplement or diet, hold off and see what your hair test says first.
Whether you've made your decision or are still considering all of the options, Upgraded Formulas is here to help. With their amazing team of professionals working together with you and offering helpful support, you can be confident knowing that your hair analysis needs will be taken care of!
All in all, Upgraded Formulas offers top-notch hair analysis services; so if you're looking for professional assistance or advice on which route to take next, give them a call today and order your test here.