Sample Results
FAQs
About the Lab
Common Causes of a Mineral Imbalance
Mineral/Heavy Metals Tested
Hair Sample Collection Instructions
Order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Sample Results
Mineral Ratios
Symptoms of Reduced Thyroid Activity
Symptoms of Underactive Adrenal Gland
Copper Toxicity Symptoms
Copper Toxicity Protocol
Detoxification Options
Adrenal/Thyroid Protocol

FAQs
Sample Results

Hair tissue mineral analysis is unique in that it is non-invasive and an inexpensive way to give information directly about cellular activity—the main site of nutritional metabolism. It indicates the nutritional content of the body's tissue, toxic heavy metals, the ratio of nutrients to heavy metal toxins, and the metabolism type. Blood work provides different information.

Blood Tests vs. Hair Analysis

Blood tests always will be valuable to determine cholesterol, hemoglobin levels, and many other parameters. However, blood tests cannot provide the information provided by the hair analysis. There are several reasons why…

• Mineral levels in blood are ten times less than they are in the tissues, which makes measurements difficult.
• Blood levels are kept within very narrow limits by the body for various reasons, so that readings vary but little and less information can be learned.
• Blood tests are subject to daily fluctuations by the foods eaten the previous day, emotional states, etc.

Unlike blood tests, hair tissue mineral analysis will not vary from day to day, and provides a long-term metabolic blueprint. When you understand this difference, you can avoid confusion and use the long-term reading to a definite advantage.

A hair tissue mineral analysis is considered a standard test used globally for the biological monitoring of trace elements and toxic metals in humans and animal species. The same technology is used for soil testing and testing of rock samples to detect mineral levels.

Hair, like all other body tissues, contains minerals that are deposited as the hair grows. Although the hair is dead, the minerals remain as the hair continues to grow. A sample of hair cut close to the scalp provides past health history information about the mineral activity in the hair-because hair has the long-term memory of the body's health status.

The Importance of Using a Specific Lab for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

The two keys to the use of hair tissue mineral analysis are that the test:

• must be performed by a lab that does not wash the hair
• must be interpreted correctly

Few physicians or consultants use the right laboratory or interpret the test properly. Six of the eight commercial mineral analysis labs in the US wash the hair at the laboratory. Hair is porous, and washing with solvents and detergents washes out electrolyte and trace minerals—which are the most important indicators on the test.

Much of the negative publicity about hair analysis is due to labs washing hair samples. The lab Dr. Akin uses is a lab that does not wash the hair and therefore provides accurate readings. Click here to learn more about this lab.

Why Should I Have a Hair Analysis?

Hair tissue mineral analysis can help anyone who is ill and has no explanation as to why, or the cause seems to be identified but the therapy is not effective. Hair tissue mineral analysis can open up a whole new approach to solving your own particular problem.

Even without a severe health problem, abnormal changes in body chemistry and nutritional deficiencies may result in early, subtle changes in the body such as the following:

• White spots in the nails, stretch marks, and lack of nail growth can indicate a possible zinc deficiency.
• Longitudinal ridging in the nails may indicate an iron deficiency.
• Brittle hair and nails can show a calcium and copper imbalance.
• Autistic behaviors and mood swings can be linked to possible toxic metal accumulation like lead, mercury, or cadmium.

The above indicators are early signs of metabolic disturbances and may lead to serious problems if left unchecked. See Common Causes of a Mineral Imbalance.

Hair tissue mineral analysis can help detect these early warning signs and help you prevent potential health problems.

Hair tissue mineral analysis is a screening test. Screening tests are extremely valuable in medicine, although they are not given the importance they deserve. No claims are made for the diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease or condition using hair tissue mineral analysis.

What is Included in the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Results?

When you order the hair tissue mineral analysis, you will receive a 15-20 page report that includes your information about:

• metabolic rate
• energy levels
• sugar and carbohydrate tolerance
• immune system
• autonomic balance
• glandular activity (for a potential thyroid or adrenal condition)
• mineral levels
• heavy metal toxicities

The test results are printed on an easy-to-read graph. The printed graph shows mineral results, metal toxicities, major mineral ratios, and the oxidation type. Click here to learn what mineral and heavy metals are tested.

The results also include a 15 minute phone or email consultation with Dr. Akin. She will help provide further interpretation of the results as well as recommend a wealth of information covering diets, food preparation, eating habits, supplements, and detoxification programs.

How Is Hair Analysis Done?

The collection for the hair analysis is simple and absolutely painless. (Click here for instructions on how to collect your hair sample.) You then send the hair sample to a licensed clinical laboratory for a series of procedures. The tests are performed with highly sophisticated detection equipment and methods to achieve the most accurate and precise results. Dr. Akin usually receives the results within 10-14 days after the lab receives the sample.

If you have further questions or comments, you are welcome to send an e-mail to Dr. Akin.