Omega 3 Testing
Measures percentages of omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA as a potential indicator of various health risks.
DHA Testing
Indicates whether mothers are providing adequate DHA levels to their infants through breastfeeding.
Hair Cortisol Analysis
Provides a complementary method of monitoring stress and cortisol exposure in the body over longer periods of time.
IgG Food Intolerance
A valuable tool often used to help design elimination diets for patients with several chronic conditions.
Hair Mineral Analysis
Provides the basis for a nutritional balancing program to establish and maintain optimal levels of wellness.

Top 3 FAQs about Hair Mineral Analysis

FAQ about HMA

At CanAlt Labs, we provide a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) that can give insightful information about your body's mineral content and heavy metal toxicity. We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by our clients to enhance your understanding of the process.

Will Colouring or Treatments/Bleaching My Hair Affect the Test Results?

Hair dyes or other chemical treatments can indeed alter the composition of hair slightly. However, it doesn't significantly influence the results of the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.

While we always prefer untreated hair for testing, we understand that not everyone has untreated hair. Rest assured, the HTMA results from treated hair still provide valuable insights into your body's mineral balance and metal toxicity.

To mitigate the impact of any treatments on the analysis, we always use the inch and a half of hair closest to the scalp for testing. This hair corresponds to the most recent growth and gives us the most accurate snapshot of your recent health status.

What is the Actual Amount of Hair Needed for This Test? How Does It Compare to DNA Testing?

Unlike a DNA test that uses a single strand of hair (including the root), the HTMA requires a larger sample. We typically need about a teaspoonful of hair or approximately 125 mg for our analysis.

The root of the hair is not needed for HTMA, which distinguishes it from DNA tests. We require the most recent growth from your scalp, which translates to the 1.5 inches closest to your scalp if your hair is long.

Can I Use Head Hair or Other Body Hair? Which Type of Hair is Preferred?

At CanAlt Labs, we prefer to use head hair for our HTMA. This is because head hair grows at a steady and known rate, approximately 1.5 inches every three to four months. It lets us get a good snapshot of your nutritional status over this period.

On the other hand, body hair can represent a much longer timeframe, often up to five years or more, and grows at different rates depending on various factors. This makes it less reliable for assessing recent nutritional status.

We always aim for accuracy and relevancy in our testing. Therefore, while we can test body hair if scalp hair is unavailable, we strongly recommend using head hair when possible.

Watch our video demonstrating the proper collection and submission of hair samples.