Arsenic, Hair
Use
Detection of nonacute arsenic exposure in hair specimens. Arsenic binds covalently to keratin in hair, reflecting exposure timing: hair from the nape of the neck documents recent exposure; axillary or pubic hair may reflect longer-term (6 months to 1 year) exposure. Elevated hair arsenic levels (> 1.00 mcg/g dry weight) may indicate excessive exposure; trace presence is normal. Hair arsenic concentration as high as 210 mcg/g dry weight was observed in a fatal chronic exposure case. Hair grows approximately 0.5 inch per month, with hair at the skin reflecting exposure ~1 week ago, and 1 inch distal representing ~2 months ago.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Cosmetic treatments and hair dyes may introduce heavy metal contamination, potentially confounding results.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
Arsenic
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 5584-8 - Arsenic Hair-mCnt
- 5584-8 - Arsenic Hair-mCnt
- 31208-2 - Specimen source
Result Turnaround Time
2-14 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Hair
Volume
0.05 g
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Ambient (preferred) |
| Refrigerated | Refrigerated |
| Frozen | Frozen |