Arsenic Analysis, Hair
Also known as: ARS HAIR
Use
The Arsenic Analysis, Hair test is useful for evaluating past exposure to arsenic, especially in cases where there is a high concern of exposure but negative urine results. It can indicate exposure to arsenic in situations of chronic or acute exposure and serves as a monitoring tool for arsenic toxicity over time. Hair analysis helps determine long-term arsenic exposure patterns, as arsenic is incorporated into the hair shaft during growth and provides a record of exposure over the growth period of the hair.
Special Instructions
The test is not New York state approved, and there are no approved laboratories in New York for this test. A Non-Permitted Laboratory Request Form must be submitted to the NYDOH if testing is required. The hair sample should be collected by ensuring it contains a pencil-thick segment, cut at the roots, and held together with a twist tie at the root end before transfer to a certified metal-free container.
Limitations
This test is performed by a non-ARUP laboratory. Elevated arsenic results may be caused by environmental contamination during specimen collection, necessitating the verification of unexpected elevated results using another specimen in a trace metal-free container. The test is developed by NMS Labs and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA for clinical diagnostic purposes. It is primarily used for exposure monitoring and investigation.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5584-8
Result Turnaround Time
8-12 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
500 mg
Minimum Volume
500 mg
Container
acid-washed urine/hair bottle or trace element-free transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect a pencil-thick segment of hair, bundle, cut at roots, wrap with twist tie at root end. Transfer 500 mg hair to container.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature storage is acceptable. Refrigerated or frozen conditions are also permissible.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Undefined |
| Refrigerated | Undefined |
| Frozen | Undefined |