Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis: Test for Imbalance & Toxicity

Jurnack's, Naturally! offers a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) test through Trace Elements, Inc. This test uses samples of scalp hair to help determine mineral ratios, toxic heavy metal exposures, and more.

The very nature of hair makes it useful for mineral testing. During the growth phase, hair is exposed to factors of the body’s internal environment such as blood, lymph, and extra-cellular fluids. As the hair reaches the surface of the skin, its outer layers harden, locking in the metabolic products accumulated during the period of formation. This biological process provides a blueprint and lasting record of mineral status and nutritional metabolic activity that has occurred during this time.

Hair tissue is also an ideal substance for testing because it can be easily and painlessly collected, and requires no special handling in transit to the lab. Simply snip a few sections of hair (non-permed, non-color treated), retaining the inch and a half of growth closest to the scalp. Package the sample in the designated envelope provided with the kit, and send it to the lab. Trace Elements will send the results directly to Mary Theresa Jurnack, who will contact you to set up an appointment to help you interpret the findings and develop a plan.

Contact us or stop by the store if you are interested in purchasing a kit!

Please read to get a good sample for your hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA):
Don’t use Epsom salt baths 2 weeks prior to cutting your hair sample.
Don’t use conditioner or any styling products on your hair after washing it on the day you will take your sample.
Don’t combine hair from different parts of the body.
Don’t pull hair from the roots of the head as the lab does not need the follicle for testing.
Don’t use hair from hairbrushes or combs.
Don’t store or send hair sample in plastic or aluminum foil.
Don’t take your hair sample if you have used henna, Grecian Formula, Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue or any other anti-dandruff/medicated shampoo….stop for 2 weeks, then cut sample.
Don’t use a water softener as this will cause false elevations of sodium, magnesium and/or potassium making the results invalid. If you have softened water, you MUST use unsoftened tap/well or distilled water for 2 weeks prior to cutting sample.

Do shampoo your hair the same day as it needs to be clean with no sweat or greasy build up. After shampooing wait around 4 hours to get the sample. Sample needs to be totally dry to get an accurate weight/amount.
Weight and submit ONLY 1-2 inches of hair from the scalp end, cutting off and discarding anything longer.
Do take sample from 3-5 different locations around the back, lower part of the head to avoid bald spots.