Multi-element analysis of head hair
Analyzes 39 elements in scalp hair to provide insight into minerals, trace elements, and heavy metals.
Hair Home Test
How it works
- 01
Receive your test kit
Cut a lock of hair as close to the scalp as possible
- 02
Take the sample
Place the hair in the provided envelope
- 03
Mail back to the lab
Return via regular mail to the lab
During the growth phase, hair is in contact with the bloodstream via the hair root and stores substances circulating in the blood within the hair cells, including minerals, trace elements, and toxic heavy metals. The concentration of these substances in the hair is an accurate reflection of their concentrations in the surrounding tissues. After the death of the hair cells, the concentration of these substances in the hair cell is preserved. Due to the slow growth of hair (approximately 1 cm per month), hair also stores substances that circulate in the blood in very low concentrations.
Using a precise measurement technique, Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry - analysis (ICP-MS analysis), the following 39 elements can be measured from hair via multi-element analysis: aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, phosphorus, germanium, iron, iodine, potassium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lithium, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, platinum, rubidium, selenium, strontium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, uranium, vanadium, silver, zinc, zirconium and sulfur.
Multi-element analysis of hair is a reliable and accurate diagnostic measurement. While blood and urine analysis mainly provide information about the diagnosis of the acute condition, hair mineral analysis provides information about a longer period preceding the examination. Hair analysis is gaining increasing ground as a diagnostic tool.
However, it is not a substitute for anamnesis and clinical diagnostics. It is important that the measurement data are carefully interpreted in relation to other information about the client. The analysis can then provide insight into the role that metals and minerals play in the disease process, allowing undetected biochemical blockages to be tracked and resolved.
Indication
Hair mineral analysis makes it possible to detect imbalances and deficiencies of trace elements and minerals, as well as heavy metal burdens, over a longer period (up to three months). Very low concentrations can also be measured.
Multi-element analysis of hair is an excellent diagnostic tool for detecting imbalances in cellular metabolism. Especially the interactions between essential and accidental elements are of central importance for the course of a disease. Numerous micro and macro-level disturbances can thus be made insightful. By understanding these connections, a client can be treated better and faster.
Hair mineral analysis is also used for preventive diagnostics, the explanation of long-standing vague complaints, evaluating an ongoing treatment for results and effectiveness, and determining the further therapeutic process to follow.
Disruptions in element balance can cause a wide range of unexplained clinical complaints such as CFS, ADHD, ADD, allergies, reduced immunity, etc.
Hair analysis is therefore recommended for:
- Metal burdens (due to environment or dental fillings)
- ADHD
- Allergic conditions
- Chronic immunodeficiency
- Chronic fatigue
- Hair loss
- Skin conditions
- Mental conditions
- Rheumatic conditions
- Therapy resistance
Insufficient evidence in mainstream medicine
The underlying condition or the clinical significance of this test is insufficiently supported within mainstream Dutch medicine.
Rationale for this test
Haarmineraalanalyse voor het opsporen van mineraal-disbalansen of zware-metalenbelasting wordt binnen de Nederlandse reguliere geneeskunde niet erkend als diagnostisch instrument. Er is geen wetenschappelijke consensus over de klinische betekenis van mineraal- en metaalconcentraties in haar, en de test is niet opgenomen in NHG- of FMS-richtlijnen. De interpretatie van haaranalyse-resultaten is onbetrouwbaar vanwege externe contaminatie en gebrek aan gevalideerde referentiewaarden.
Do not interpret a result from this test as a diagnosis, and always discuss with your GP which regular diagnostics are appropriate for your symptoms.
Independent information sources
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
- Client brochure PGO (NVvPG, September 2023)
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
- RIVM — Health tests
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
- Thuisarts.nl
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
- Allesovertesten.nl (NVKC)
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to what people usually want to know.
View instructionsFull instructions with visual guidanceHow does the hair test work from A to Z?
After ordering we ship the kit to your home. You cut a small lock of hair following the instructions, place it in the collection sheet and return it in the envelope. You receive the result digitally by email.
Where do I cut the hair?
From the scalp at the back of the head, just above the neck. Cut as close to the scalp as possible — the root itself doesn't need to come along.
How much hair do I need?
About a tablespoon, or the thickness of a pencil. With short hair you can take a bit more to ensure enough sample.
Does it matter if my hair is dyed or bleached?
Treated hair can affect the result. Take newly grown hair near the scalp if possible. Also avoid hair products in the 24 hours before collection.
What if my hair is too short for collection?
With very short hair (less than 3 cm) you can collect a bit more to ensure enough sample. If it really doesn't work — get in touch, we can also work with hair from another body location.
When and how do I receive my result?
Hair analyses are specialist and typically take about a week, sometimes a bit longer. You get an email with a link to your digital result, including explanation per value.
How do I return my sample to the lab?
In the included return envelope with free medical shipping. Drop it in the mailbox; the lab processes your sample as soon as it arrives. For some tests it's important to send it the same day — the instructions make this clear.
What if I have questions or something doesn't work?
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Request a custom test
Client experiences
This is why clients choose us
“Hele fijne en snelle service”
Hele fijne en snelle service! Ik contacteerde ze ‘s nachts omdat ik zsm moest bloedprikken, ik kon die ochtend nog terecht en heb dezelfde dag mijn uitslag binnengekregen. Echt top!!
“Bloedcheckup levert”
Waar ziekenhuizen moeilijk doen om checkup te doen , komt Bloedcheckup naar boven drijven als vertrouwde partner op gebied van gezondheid. Ik ben uiterst tevreden met bloed checkup
“Klantenservice was erg behulpzaam in…”
Klantenservice was erg behulpzaam in het beantwoorden van mijn vragen. Ik had ook een extra setje buizen nodig als back-up en dat was geen probleem. Ik had een groot test panel besteld, maar de resultaten waren binnen 1 week binnen. Rapport zag er netjes uit.
“Snelle en goede service”
Je hebt de spullen snel in huis en het is duidelijk wat je daarna moet doen. Ook de uitslag heb je snel in huis, ik dezelfde avond al de eerste uitslagen. Bij een bepaling ging het fout, niet eens door het bedrijf maar door het bloedafname punt en die bepaling kreeg ik gewoon vergoed, ook het geld terug stond erg snel op mijn rekening. Vragen worden ook snel beantwoord dus al met al een positieve ervaring bij Bloedcheckup.nl
“Fijn bedrijf met geweldig veel opties…”
Fijn bedrijf met geweldig veel opties om zelfstandig je gezondheid in het oog te houden, als sporter een must want de dokters hebben toch geen verstand van wat relevant en anders is voor sport. Ook zeer tevreden over Stijn zelf! Aangename kerel en goed bereikbaar voor vragen en hulp tijdens bestellen :D
“My experience was very positive”
My experience was very positive. I needed to pass several very specific tests. They provide 24/7 customer support. They were friendly and prompt.
“Top!”
Snelle en makkelijke afhandeling. Duidelijke instructies en binnen anderhalve dag al resultaat binnen. Top service!
“Amazing service!”
Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!