Heavy Metals, Hair
Use
Detection of nonacute arsenic, mercury, and lead exposure using hair specimens. Hair keratin accumulates arsenic, mercury, and lead and can be used to document exposure timing; arsenic and mercury bind to keratin and reflect past exposures, while segmented hair may indicate timing. Lead hair analysis may corroborate blood results or document past exposure. Hair source (e.g., head, axillary, pubic) can help interpret duration of exposure. Reference values are provided for arsenic, mercury, and lead concentrations in hair. Interpretation accounts for hair growth rate and external contamination, in context of clinical scenario.
Special Instructions
Indicate source of hair (axillary, head, or pubic) if known. Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565). Collect and transport per kit instructions or the 'Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing' document. All specimens evaluated for suitability.
Limitations
Hair is subject to potential external contamination (eg, hair treatments such as dyeing, bleaching, or permanents) especially for lead. Hair reference intervals for ages 0‑15 years are not established for arsenic and mercury. Interpretation must consider clinical scenario, timing, and possible external contamination.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 34667-6
- 5584-8
- 5686-1
- 5673-9
- 31208-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-14 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Hair
Volume
0.2 g
Minimum Volume
0.05 g
Collection Instructions
Prepare and transport specimen per kit instructions or see Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing.
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.