How to Order a Hair Mineral Analysis Test Online – Step-by-Step Guide

Ordering a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) test online is a simple process that can be completed entirely from home. After placing your order, you will receive all the necessary instructions and information by email. Simply collect a small hair sample by following the instructions, then send it to the laboratory by post or courier. Once the analysis is complete, your educational report will be available in your online dashboard, describing the levels of selected elements and their ratios.

What Is a Hair Mineral Analysis Test?

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), also known as Elemental Hair Analysis (EHA), is a laboratory method used to measure selected elements present in a hair sample. Unlike blood tests, which reflect current physiological status, hair analysis represents the period during which the analyzed hair grew—typically several weeks to a few months.

The EHA report includes:

• analysis of 29 elements in the hair sample,
• nutritional and trace elements,
• selected elements commonly monitored in environmental biomonitoring,
• selected elemental ratios,
• educational information about the analyzed elements.

The report applies only to the submitted hair sample and should be interpreted within the broader context of lifestyle, diet, environmental exposure, and, when appropriate, other laboratory findings.

How the Ordering Process Works

The process typically includes the following steps:

• Order your HTMA test online. HIER
• Receive our email with all the details and your online form.
• Complete the accompanying information form.
• Collect your hair sample following the provided instructions.
• Send your hair sample by post or courier to the provided address.
• The laboratory performs elemental analysis using ICP-OES technology.
• Receive your report in your dashboard. You’ll receive an email notification when your analysis is complete.
• Optional consultation to help you understand the report. The entire process can be completed without visiting a clinic or laboratory.

Everything You Need by Email

After your order is confirmed, we’ll send you an email containing:

• step-by-step hair sample collection instructions,
• the online form,
• the sample shipping address.

Simply collect a small hair sample at home and send it to the address provided.

Hair Collection

Proper sample collection is important for obtaining a reliable analysis.

In most cases, we recommend:

• collecting hair from the back of the head (occipital area),
• cutting the hair as close to the scalp as possible,
• using the 1.5–3 cm (approximately 0.6–1.2 inches) closest to the scalp,
• collecting several small strands from different locations,
• placing the sample in a paper envelope.

Hair should be: clean, dry, free from styling products. If the hair has been chemically treated, please follow the sample collection instructions carefully before collecting your sample.

Laboratory Analysis

After arrival at the laboratory, the sample undergoes several standardized analytical procedures. These typically include:

• verification of the sample mass,
• sample preparation and mineralization,
• elemental analysis using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry),
• quality control procedures,
• preparation of the final report.

ICP-OES is a widely used analytical technique that enables the simultaneous determination of multiple elements with high precision when performed under validated laboratory procedures.

Your HTMA Report

Your report includes information about:

• concentrations of 29 analyzed elements,
• selected elemental ratios,
• educational descriptions of nutritional elements,
• information about selected elements commonly monitored in environmental exposure,
• a graphical presentation of results,
• educational commentary supporting interpretation.

The report is intended to provide information about the analyzed hair sample and long-term mineral patterns. It should not be interpreted as a diagnosis of disease.

Consultation

Many individuals choose to discuss their report with a qualified practitioner familiar with HTMA interpretation. A consultation may help place the report findings into a broader context, including:

• nutrition,
• lifestyle,
• supplementation,
• environmental exposure,
• health history.

Interpretation should always consider the complete individual context rather than isolated result values.

What Is Included in the HTMA Test?




The standard HTMA package includes:

• Hair Elemental Analysis (HTMA),
• analysis of 29 elements,
• assessment of selected elemental ratios,
• educational report,
• digital delivery of results.

Price: USD 169

Why Do People Choose Hair Mineral Analysis?

People often choose HTMA to:

• better understand long-term mineral patterns,
• monitor lifestyle changes,
• follow changes during nutrition or supplementation programs,
• assess long-term environmental exposure,
• obtain additional educational information about mineral balance.

HTMA is considered a biomonitoring tool rather than a standalone medical diagnostic test.

 

What should you do if you want to have a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?
If, after reading this article, you would like to assess your long-term mineral status:
– the test is performed using a hair sample that you collect yourself,
– the analysis is carried out using the ICP-OES method,
– you will receive a report with an overview of element levels and selected element ratios

👉 Order Your HTMA Test

 


How do I order a Hair Mineral Analysis test?
Simply order the HTMA online. After receiving it, collect your hair sample, complete the form, and mail everything to the laboratory.

Can I collect the sample myself?
Yes. You can collect the hair sample yourself at home by following the instructions sent to your email after your order. Once the sample has been collected, place it together with the completed submission form and send it to the address provided in the instructions.

How much hair is required?
Only a small amount of hair is needed—typically about 0.3 grams, roughly equivalent to one tablespoon of loosely collected hair.

Is the test painful?
No. The test only requires cutting a small amount of hair and is completely non-invasive.

How long does laboratory analysis take?
Turnaround time generally depends on laboratory processing and shipping times. Once the laboratory receives your sample, results are typically available within several business days.

What technology is used?
The laboratory performs elemental analysis using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry), a well-established analytical technique used for multi-element determination.

Does the report diagnose medical conditions?
No. HTMA provides information about the elemental composition of the submitted hair sample. It is not intended to diagnose diseases or replace medical evaluation.

Can I use HTMA to monitor changes over time?
Yes. Many people repeat the analysis several months later to observe long-term changes in mineral patterns following changes in diet, supplementation, or lifestyle.

 

Ordering a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) online is a convenient and non-invasive way to obtain information about the elemental composition of a hair sample. The process includes:

• ordering your HTMA test online here,
• receiving all instructions and required documents by email,
• collecting your hair sample by following the emailed instructions,
• sending the hair sample to the laboratory by post or courier,
• laboratory analysis using ICP-OES,
• receiving a digital educational report with your results.

When interpreted appropriately, HTMA can serve as a useful biomonitoring tool for observing long-term mineral patterns. It should always be considered complementary to—not a replacement for—medical evaluation and conventional laboratory testing.

Bibliografia

1. Kempson IM, Lombi E. Hair analysis as a biomonitor for toxicology, disease and health status. Chemical Society Reviews. 2011;40(7):3915–3940.
2. Rodrigues JL, Batista BL, Nunes JA, Passos CJ, Barbosa F Jr. Evaluation of the use of human hair for biomonitoring deficiency of essential and exposure to toxic elements. Science of the Total Environment. 2008;405(1–3):370–376.
3. Bass DA, Hickock D, Quig D, Urek K. Trace element analysis in hair: Factors determining accuracy, precision, and reliability. Biological Trace Element Research. 2001;83(1):1–16.
4. Seidel S, Kreutzer R, Smith D, McNeel S, Gilliss D. Assessment of commercial laboratories performing hair mineral analysis. JAMA. 2001;285(1):67–72.
5. World Health Organization (WHO). Human Biomonitoring: Facts and Figures.
6. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Elemental Analysis of Biological Materials: Current Problems and Techniques with Special Reference to Trace Elements.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an educational and biomonitoring tool. It is not a medical diagnostic test and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.