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Your hair mineral collection
This test measures minerals and trace elements in a small snip of your hair. Using the right hair — and enough of it — is what makes your result accurate.
A simple test you do at home
Your kit is posted directly to you — no collection centre visit needed. Snip a small hair sample at home, measure it with the card provided, then mail it back to the lab.
Which hair to use
The hair needs to be untreated, and all from one area — this keeps your mineral readings accurate.
What this test measures
Measures: Calcium · Magnesium · Chromium · Copper · Iron · Manganese · Selenium · Zinc · Aluminium · Arsenic · Cadmium · Lead · Mercury · Nickel · Silver · Tin
Check your kit
Cutting your sample
Best taken from the back of the head, where any short regrowth is least noticeable.
- Cut hair from the back of the head, at the nape of the neck, as close to the scalp as possible.
- From the cut hair, keep the 2.5–4 cm (1–1½ inch) closest to the root and discard the rest. The root end is what's tested.
- Aim for about 0.5 g of hair — roughly a heaped tablespoon. It's better to provide a little more than too little, so your sample isn't rejected as insufficient.
Measuring with the card
Your kit includes a cardboard "scale" to help you measure the right amount:
- Rest a pen or pencil under the card, on the marked line.
- Place your cut hair on the "A" side of the card.
- Add hair until the "A" side tips down to the table — that's about the right amount.
Packing & sending
- Fill in your name, date of birth and gender on the reverse of the cardboard scale, then place it (with your hair) into the specimen transport bag.
- Check your request form is complete (name, date of birth, address, phone) and complete your Patient Checklist Form.
- Place the transport bag and forms into the reply-paid padded envelope and post it back the same day via your nearest Australia Post outlet or express post box.