Find out the approximate levels of toxins in your system with the Doctor's Data Hair Analysis Kit (as opposed to just the presence of in the CTS Tests). Simply collect and mail your hair sample to the lab as instructed in the kit (everything you need is pre-paid and pre-posted). About Doctor's Data Laboratory
Extensive research established that scalp hair element levels are related to human systemic levels. The strength of this relationship varies for specific elements, and many researchers consider hair as the tissue of choice for toxic and several nutrient elements. Unlike blood, hair element levels are not regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Thus, deviations in hair element levels often appear prior to overt symptoms and can thereby be a valuable preliminary tool for predicting the development of physiological abnormalities.
Benefits:
Measurement of toxic and essential elements
Inexpensive, noninvasive
Analysis by ICP-MS
Result specific commentary provided
Requires only 0.25 g hair
Since 1972, Doctor’s Data, Inc. has performed over four million hair elements tests for physicians and other health care providers, accumulating what is probably the largest database regarding this procedure. Tests for the following potentially toxic elements:
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Chromium
Beryllium
Cobalt
Nickel
Zinc
Copper
Thorium
Thallium
Barium
Cesium
Manganese
Selenium
Bismuth
Vanadium
Silver
Antimony
Palladium
Aluminum
Platinum
Tungsten
Tin
Uranium
Gold
Tellurium
Germanium
Titanium
Gadolinium
Note about statistical probabilities
If any one (or more) of the criteria are met, there is a 1 in 44 chance that it happened randomly and a 43 in 44 chance that something is wrong. Of course, the chances that it is random diminish rapidly if the deviation is greater or if more than one of the rules is met. The greater the deviation, the greater the probability that the person is toxic.
Additional patterns which are characteristic of mercury toxicity
There are some characteristic non-statistical findings, too, in mercury toxic people. These are probably caused by other heavy metals in addition to mercury, but are NOT caused by COPPER toxicity. People who are copper toxic, with nothing else going on, have very normal looking hair analyses except for very elevated copper. Their minerals are not "skewed".
In order to test the levels of toxins in our system, the most precise method is a Biopsy. Short of that invasive procedure (involves removing tissue from the liver or kidneys, and costs upwards of $500), Hair Analysis is a great option, giving us an idea of the presence and volume of toxins in our bodies.
Reviewed by
Dr. Daniel Vinograd, D.D.S, N.M.D. on
August 13 .
Rating:
5/5
Why hair?
With respect to its contained elements, hair is essentially an excretory tissue rather than a functional tissue. Hair element analysis provides important information which, in conjunction with symptoms and other laboratory values, can assist the physician with an early diagnosis of physiological disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.
As protein is synthesized in the hair follicle, elements are incorporated permanently into the hair with no further exchange or equilibration with other tissues. Scalp hair is easy to sample, and because it grows an average of one to two cm per month, it contains a “temporal record” of element metabolism and exposure to toxic elements.
Nutrient elements including magnesium, chromium, zinc, copper and selenium are obligatory co-factors for hundreds of important enzymes and also are essential for the normal functions of vitamins. The levels of these elements in hair are correlated with levels in organs and other tissues.
Toxic elements may be 200-300 times more highly concentrated in hair than in blood or urine. Therefore, hair is the tissue of choice for detection of recent exposure to elements such as arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, lead, antimony, and mercury. The CDC acknowledges the value of hair mercury levels as a maternal and infant marker for exposure to neurotoxic methylmercury from fish.
Through recent vast improvements in technology, instrumentation, and application of scientific protocols, hair element analysis has become a valuable tool in providing dependable and useful data for physicians and their patients. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency stated in a recent report that “...if hair samples are properly collected and cleaned, and analyzed by the best analytic methods, using standards and blanks as required, in a clean and reliable laboratory by experienced personnel, the data are reliable.” (U.S.E.P.A. 600/4-79-049)
Hair, however, is vulnerable to external elemental contamination by means of certain shampoos, bleaches, dyes, and curing or straightening treatments. Therefore, the first step in the interpretation of a hair element report is to rule out sources of external contamination.
Hair element analysis is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency or maldistribution of elements. It should not be considered a stand-alone diagnostic test for essential element function, and should be used in conjunction with patient symptoms and other laboratory tests.
How do I collect the Hair Specimen for the Toxin Test?
Collect the hair specimen
A paper scale is included in this
kit to assist you in collecting
the proper quantity of hair. set
it up according to the directions
printed on the scale.
cut samples of hair from the
back of the head (see illustration).
using stainless steel scissors, cut hair as close to the
scalp as possible. it is best if small amounts of hair
are cut from 5 or 6 areas in the back of the head.
As each piece of hair is cut from the head, save only
1-inch (2.5 cm) of the hair closest to the scalp (new
growth). cut off and discard the rest. Place the saved
hair on the scale.
Keep cutting and adding this hair to the scale card
until the scale tips. this scale is designed to collect
about 0.25 grams of hair.
Label the plastic bag with the patient’s name, doctor’s
name, and the date collected.
Put the hair into the plastic bag and seal.
i n s t r u c t i o n g u i d e
Complete the requisition form and mail
complete the Bill to and Physician Information
sections.
in the Test(s) Ordered section check the box for the
“Hair elements” or “Hair toxic elements exposure
profile”. Please provide any other information
requested.
complete the Patient Information section.
complete the Payment Method section and,
if necessary, provide insurance information.
Place the hair specimen bag and the completed
requisition form into the mailing envelope and
mail to doctor’s data.
Special notes for Toxin Test
1. Hair that has been permed, dyed, bleached,
or otherwise chemically treated is vulnerable
to elemental contamination. therefore, it is
recommended that treated hair not be used for
analysis.
