What factors can invalidate hair test results?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.The reliability of hair tests is in danger of being invalidated through contamination and improper handling. Factors from the outside world, such as hair care products, have tremendously adapted mineral readings. Exposure to chlorinated water creates false readings of arsenic. Correct protocols prevent these distortions in readings, enabling proper evaluation.
Chemical Contamination
- Hair dyes increase copper levels 200-400% for 8 weeks
- Perm solutions alter zinc and selenium concentrations
- Antiperspirants containing aluminum mimic toxicity patterns
- Shampoo additives create false mineral markers
Environmental Exposure
- Smoke residue mimics cadmium exposure signatures
- Industrial pollutants coat hair shafts with heavy metals
- Swimming pool chlorine elevates arsenic readings 72 hours post-exposure
- Dust deposits add external lead and mercury
Handling Errors
- Plastic storage causes static contamination
- Latex gloves transfer sulfur compounds
- Metal scissors add microscopic iron particles
- Delayed shipping allows bacterial degradation
Proper storage inhibits degradation. Utilize paper envelopes instead of plastic containers. The paper does not promote static electricity, which attracts finer environmental contaminants and pollutants. Deliver samples within 48 hours of collection to limit risks associated with bacterial growth.
Document all exposures in advance of testing. Keeping a record of hair products and environmental contacts becomes essential for the technicians to ascertain potential sources of contamination. Without this context, laboratories cannot distinguish between true exposures and outside contamination.
Laboratory washing protocols vary significantly. Some facilities use acetone, others prefer ethanol solutions. Always verify your lab's decontamination methods. Inconsistent cleaning creates unreliable baselines across different testing facilities.
Read the full article: Understanding Hair Mineral Analysis Secrets
