WHAT IS HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)?
Blooming Vital Naturopathy uses InterClinical Laboratories hair testing service – 30 years of reliable results in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). Providing accurate, reproducible, clinical results with a gold-standard evidence-based interpretive report.
HTMA is a safe and non-invasive pathology test measuring the levels of nutrients and toxic minerals (including heavy metals) found in hair (to parts per million). HTMA is one of the most valuable screening tools available in preventative health care.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an analytical test that measures the mineral composition of hair. It is a safe and non-invasive test that reflects the level of nutrient and toxic elements in body tissue. It is regarded by integrative doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.
Hair is a body tissue made up of mostly dead, keratinized cells fused together. The shaft of the hair is the portion that projects from the skin’s surface. The root of the hair, below the skin’s surface, contains living matrix cells from which the hair grows. Matrix cells depend on the blood supply for nourishment and growth. As they grow and divide, minerals are keratinized into the growing hair shaft, creating a permanent record of metabolic activity and exposure to toxic elements.
Research has shown that hair tissue is useful in indicating nutrient imbalances and exposure to toxic elements. If your health, diet or environment has created a mineral imbalance or toxic mineral excess, it will be recorded in the hair shaft.
How Does it Work?
A sample of hair is taken in Clinic and sent off to the lab. Results take approximately 4 weeks, and a comprehensive report is returned showing a profile of minerals and ratios of minerals to each other, with an interpretative report.
The results are emailed to the patient, and best discussed in detail in Clinic within a Consultation so as to put a plan into action to achieve your health goals.