Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can be polarising. While some dismiss it as speculative, when performed using high-quality technology and interpreted in clinical context, HTMA offers insight into long-term nutritional and toxin exposure trends, not just snapshot results.
What Is HTMA?
Hair minerals testing evaluates a small hair sample to assess mineral and toxic metal content accumulated over the previous two to three months. Hair acts like a time capsule, showing what the body has stored, not just what’s circulating or excreted.
This can reveal:
- Essential mineral levels (e.g. calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper)
- Potential toxic exposures (e.g. lead, arsenic, cadmium)
- Mineral ratios that may reflect metabolic or adrenal stress
Peer-Reviewed Evidence in Dogs
A scientifically published study in the Journal of Animal Research (2016) compared copper, iron, and zinc levels in canine hair and plasma. It found significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between hair and plasma levels of copper and zinc, providing validation for hair’s ability to reflect internal mineral stores when professional testing methods are applied .
How HTMA Compares to Other Tests
Hair minerals testing adds value alongside biological testing methods by offering a longer-term view:
- Blood mineral levels mirror tightly regulated physiological conditions and may not reflect depletion.
- Urine tests capture recent elimination rather than stored exposure.
- Immunoglobulins (IgE, IgA, IgM) show immune function, not mineral status.
Hair minerals testing stands apart by offering insight into tissue trends—not transient levels.
Why ICP‑MS Supply Matters
Not all hair minerals testing is equal. The accuracy of a hair minerals testing test depends on the lab methodology and analytical precision.
At i-screenPets, we use Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‑MS), a highly sensitive technique used in clinical, environmental and nutritional research. ICP‑MS detects low-level trace elements with exceptional precision and broad range, outperforming older analytic techniques.
When HTMA Is Most Helpful
- Chronic or unexplained skin, behavioural or neurological complaints
- Suspected environmental toxic exposure
- Nutritional stress or elimination diets over weeks-months
- Pets who cannot undergo frequent blood draws
It works best as part of a holistic testing strategy including blood chemistry, microbiome panels, allergy testing and clinical history.
What HTMA Is Not
Hair minerals testing is not:
- A diagnostic tool for acute or infectious diseases
- A replacement for hormonal, immunological, or organ-specific testing
- Effective in isolation without clinical context
Its value lies in revealing trends, not diagnosing illness.
The Bottom Line
Hair minerals testing isn’t fringe when done using validated technology and interpreted by clinical professionals. It offers deep insight into long-term mineral balance and toxic exposure, insights not captured by standard tests.
At i-screenPets, hair minerals testing is one of many diagnostic tools in your pet’s wellness toolkit. When integrated alongside blood panels, microbiome, allergy or DNA testing, it supports truly personalised and preventative care.
Interested in how HTMA could fit into your pet’s health journey?
Visit your i-screenPets portal to explore mineral and toxin screen options, or connect with our veterinary support team to see if it complements your pet’s current testing plan.
