Hair
Multi-element analysis of head hair
Analyzes 39 elements in scalp hair to provide insight into minerals, trace elements, and heavy metals.
€ 235,00
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
- Aluminium
- Antimoon
- Arsenicum
- Barium
- Beryllium
- Bismut
- Borium
- Cadmium
- Calcium
- Chroom
- Fosfor
- Germanium
- IJzer
- Jodium
- Kalium
- Kobalt
- Koper
- Kwik
- Lithium
- Lood
- Magnesium
- Mangaan
- Molybdeen
- Natrium
- Nikkel
- Platina
- Rubidium
- Selenium
- Strontium
- Thallium
- Thorium
- Tin
- Titanium
- Uranium
- Vanadium
- Zilver
- Zink
- Zirkonium
- Zwavel
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.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
How 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 receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
How do I return the collection materials to the lab?
Use the supplied return envelope and place it in the letter-mail bag inside a PostNL service point yourself as soon as possible. Do not hand it to counter staff or request track & trace. The instructions supplied with your test state when it must be sent.
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.
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
ElineVerified
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
Jacques QuipèreVerified
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
SMVerified
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
kraljicaVerified
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
PhilVerified
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
Marc EekhoutVerified
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
martijnVerified
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
kambalesVerified
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
DenisaVerified
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
Majid HajiheidariVerified
“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!
Trudi CoetzeeVerified
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!
Elif Göksu BecerikVerified