Metals - Toxic + Nutrient Elements - Hair

What is the Metals Hair Test by Mosaic Diagnostics?

The Metals Hair Test is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency, or maldistribution of elements. It provides important information that can assist in the early diagnosis of disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.

The Metals Hair Test by Mosaic Diagnostics analyzes the heavy metals toxicity caused by increasing levels of pollution and the use of chemicals in industry. Hair is a metabolic end product that incorporates trace elements into its structure during its growing process. This means that as proteins are synthesized in the hair follicles, elements are incorporated permanently into the hair without further exchange or equilibration.

A physician may consider the Metals Hair test to check an individual's current exposure to toxic metals. Extensive scientific research has established that scalp hair element levels are related to human systemic levels.

The information provided by the test, in conjunction with symptoms and other laboratory values, can support an early diagnosis of physiological disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.

Mosaic Diagnostics states: "Toxic elements may be 200-300 times more highly concentrated in hair than in blood or urine. Thus, hair is the tissue of choice for detecting recent exposure to elements such as arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, antimony, lead, and mercury."

High levels of toxic metals can be deposited in body tissues and the brain. This may cause significant developmental and neurological damage. Notably, the CDC acknowledges the value of hair mercury levels as a maternal and infant marker for exposure to neurotoxic methylmercury from fish.

The Benefits of Hair Testing

The Metals Hair Test by Mosaic Diagnostics offers several benefits in assessing metal toxicity, mineral deficiencies, and the efficacy of treatment interventions. The advantages of using hair testing for these purposes include:

1. Determining Metal Toxicity or Mineral Deficiency Contribution to Disorders: This test can identify whether an excess of heavy metals or a lack of essential minerals is contributing to various health disorders. Hair analysis is effective in detecting chronic exposure to toxic metals, as well as in identifying deficiencies in key minerals that are crucial for health.
2. Monitoring the Effects of Chelation Therapy: Chelation therapy is a treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body. The Metals Hair Test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy by measuring the levels of metals in the hair before and after treatment. This provides valuable feedback on the success of the chelation process in reducing heavy metal burden in the body.
3. Identifying the Need for Mineral Supplementation: The test can also reveal deficiencies in important minerals. Understanding these deficiencies is crucial as it allows for targeted nutritional interventions. Supplementing these minerals can lead to significant improvements in health, especially in cases where mineral deficiencies are contributing to health issues.

Hair testing for metals and minerals offers a non-invasive and informative approach to understanding and addressing issues related to heavy metal toxicity and mineral deficiencies. This can be particularly beneficial for tailoring individualized treatment plans, including chelation therapy and mineral supplementation.

What patients should receive a Metals Hair Test by Mosaic Diagnostics?

Patients who would benefit from the Metals Hair Test are those who may have been exposed to heavy metals and are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be associated with such exposure. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body can interfere with cellular functions and potentially lead to serious health issues if not treated. The test is particularly beneficial for individuals exhibiting the following signs and symptoms, which vary based on the type of metal and the severity of exposure:

1. Alopecia: Unexplained hair loss, which could be a sign of heavy metal toxicity.
2. Anemia: A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, which can be influenced by certain metal exposures.
3. Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat that may be linked to toxic metal accumulation.
4. Chills and Low Body Temperature: Symptoms that could indicate a systemic response to heavy metal presence.
5. Dehydration: While commonly due to other causes, persistent dehydration might also be related to heavy metal exposure.
6. Dental Amalgams: Individuals with dental amalgams may be exposed to mercury and could benefit from testing.
7. Difficulty Breathing: Respiratory issues that are unexplained and may be a result of toxic metal exposure.
8. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest could be related to heavy metal toxicity.
9. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Issues like nausea, vomiting, or general gastrointestinal discomfort can sometimes be linked to metal exposure.
10. Hypertension: High blood pressure that could have a connection to certain heavy metals.
11. Impaired Kidney Function: Kidneys are often affected by heavy metals, and dysfunction may be a sign of toxicity.
12. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation without a clear cause could be related to metal exposure.
13. Memory Loss: Cognitive changes like memory loss can sometimes be linked to heavy metal accumulation.
14. Numbness or Prickly Sensation in Hands and Feet: Neurological symptoms that might be related to toxic metals.
15. Parkinson's-like Symptoms: Symptoms mimicking Parkinson’s disease could be due to heavy metal toxicity.
16. Risk of Developing Certain Types of Cancer: Some heavy metals are carcinogenic, and individuals at risk might benefit from testing.
17. Vision Problems: Unexplained visual disturbances could be a sign of metal toxicity.
18. Weakness: Generalized weakness without a clear cause might be related to heavy metal exposure.

Patients  experiencing these symptoms, particularly when there is no clear explanation, may find it beneficial to undergo the Metals Hair Test. This test can help identify or rule out heavy metal accumulation as a contributing factor to their health issues. It is an important step in guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies for those affected by heavy metal toxicity.

What Does the Metals Hair Test Measure?

The Metals Hair Test is an affordable screen for physiological excess, deficiency, or maldistribution of 39 elements. Toxic metals include aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, and mercury, among others. Other essential elements analyzed include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and others.

It should be considered that hair is vulnerable to external elemental contamination by certain shampoos, dyes, bleaches, and straightening treatments. That's why the first step in interpreting a hair element report is to rule out sources of external contamination.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the Metals Hair Test?

To complete the Metals Hair Test, a hair sample is required. This sample can be collected either from the head or pubic area. It is important to note that the quantity of hair needed for the test is approximately one tablespoon, which is the absolute minimum required to conduct a thorough analysis. 

Additionally, there are no specific dietary restrictions that need to be followed before taking the test. Patients are also not required to discontinue any of their current medications or dietary supplements, unless they have been specifically instructed to do so by their physician. 

This makes the test convenient and accessible for most individuals, without the need for any special preparations.