Analytical Research Labs
Analytical Research Labs
Why Does My Lab Report From Analytical Research Labs Vary So Much From Other Hair Analysis Reports?
Mineral levels and ratios as determined by Analytical Research Labs for each individual are measured against an ‘ideal’ standard of health, rather than an ‘average’ standard as used by other laboratories. This renders our results more sensitive and meaningful to those people who aspire to optimum levels of health.
We work with precise mineral levels and ratios rather than with the broad ranges employed by the majority of professionals engaged in hair analysis. As a result, we identify even slight deviations from ‘ideal’ values responsible for some disorders which would escape detection by other labs.
Our tests recognize biochemical individuality through determination of three basic oxidation types, thus providing a sound basis for an accurate and specific selection of nutrients based on the individual’s metabolism. Detrimental health effects arising from mismatching of nutrients with individual metabolism are therefore avoided.
Accutrace Laboratories, Inc. (CLIA #03D0641886) is a CLIA Certified Laboratory. What Does This Mean?
What is CLIA?
What Kind of Instrumentation Does Accutrace Laboratories Use?
What Does ICP-MS Stand For?
How Does Accutrace Laboratories Report Test Results?
We report our results in Mg% (milligrams percent) or milligrams per 100 grams of hair. This means that 100 grams of hair would contain the reported number of milligrams of the minerals listed. Some possible equivalent ways these units might be referred to are milligrams percent and milligram per deciliter.
Another method of reporting test results(sometimes used by other laboratories) is ppm(parts per million). To convert ppm to Mg% one would divide the results reported in ppm by 10. For example, 500 ppm/10 equals 50 Mg%. To convert our results to parts per million; simply multiply our result by 10.
What is the Minimum Amount of Hair to Perform the Multi-Element Mineral Assay?
We currently require a minimum of 125 mgs of hair to complete the entire mineral assay.
Are There Any Special Requirements For Submitting a Hair Sample?
The accuracy and reliability of the test results and interpretation is based upon the laboratory receiving a properly collected hair sample that is clean and free from external contaminants. The ideal hair sample should be collected prior to subjecting the hair to any treatments such as bleaching, permanents, or dyes. This also includes the application of hair sprays, hair creams, gels and oils. Additionally, the hair should be washed within 24 hours of sampling and must be dry for at least 4 hours after shampooing.
There are several cautions and concerns regarding hair products. Most shampoos, rinses and conditioners do not contain metals and will not effect the accuracy of the analysis. However, medicated shampoos of concern are Selsun Blue(selenium) and Head and Shoulders(zinc). Grecian Formula contains lead and iron.
The hair sample should be cut as close to the scalp as possible and should be a maximum of 1.5 inches in length. The distal end of the hair longer than 1.5 inches should be discarded.
The recommended location for collection would be the nape of the neck.
It is very important to place the hair sample in the sampling envelope provided before sending to the laboratory. Do not place hair samples in plastic baggies or aluminum foil. Do not tape or staple the hair sample to the scale or sampling envelope.
Do not mix different types of hair such as head hair with pubic hair or beard hair in the same sampling envelope. We strongly recommend using head hair only due to it’s consistent rate of growth. Pubic and other body hair should only be used if sufficient head hair is not available.
