Ordering the Heavy Metals Hair Test | Great Plains Labs | Canada
The Heavy Metals Hair Test from Great Plains Labs helps check for exposure to metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as important minerals such as calcium and zinc. This test uses a small hair sample to show if your body has been exposed to certain metals over time, which can affect energy, memory, and even mood. Interestingly, hair analysis can reveal long-term exposure to metals that may not show up in blood or urine tests.
Ordering this test gives you a clear picture of your body’s mineral and metal levels, which can help you and your doctor make decisions about diet, supplements, or reducing exposure. When ordering, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Detects hidden exposure to metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium that may not show up in other tests
- Shows if your body is low or high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc
- Helps track the effects of detox programs or chelation therapy
- Supports investigation of symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or memory problems
- Provides a non-invasive way to monitor long-term exposure to environmental toxins
Who Should Consider Heavy Metal and Mineral Analysis
People who have ongoing tiredness, trouble focusing, or unexplained mood changes may benefit from this test, especially if they live in older homes or near industrial areas. For example, a parent notices their child is having trouble learning at school and wants to check if metals like lead or mercury could be a factor.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with muscle weakness or joint pain that has no clear cause
- People with skin problems or rashes that do not improve with regular treatments
- Those who work in jobs with possible metal exposure, such as construction or manufacturing
- Anyone with ongoing digestive issues that have not improved with diet changes
- Someone who has recently moved into a home with old plumbing, as pipes can sometimes release metals into the water
Testing for metals and minerals can help find out if symptoms are linked to hidden exposures or imbalances, which can be measured and tracked over time. Waiting to order this test could mean missing early signs of metal buildup, making it harder to address symptoms before they get worse.
Preparing for Hair Element and Heavy Metal Screening
Fasting is not needed for this test, but you should avoid using hair dyes, bleaches, or chemical treatments for at least two weeks before collecting your sample. Always follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Heavy Metals Hair Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What It Means | Low and High Levels of Heavy Metals Hair Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Elements | |||
| Calcium | 200-1200 | Calcium is important for bones, teeth, and nerve function. It also helps muscles contract and supports heart rhythm. | High levels mean too much calcium may be stored in tissues or bones.
Low levels mean possible bone loss or poor absorption. |
| Magnesium | 20-120 | Magnesium helps with muscle movement, nerve signals, and energy production. It also supports a steady heartbeat. | High levels mean possible kidney issues or over-supplementation.
Low levels mean muscle cramps or weakness may occur. |
| Sodium | 10-60 | Sodium helps control fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function. | High levels mean dehydration or high salt intake.
Low levels mean possible adrenal or kidney problems. |
| Potassium | 10-60 | Potassium is needed for muscle function, nerve signals, and heart health. | High levels mean kidney issues or too much supplementation.
Low levels mean muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. |
| Copper | 8-30 | Copper helps make red blood cells and supports the immune system and brain function. | High levels mean possible copper toxicity or liver issues.
Low levels mean anemia or weak immune response. |
| Zinc | 10-25 | Zinc is needed for growth, immune support, and wound healing. | High levels mean too much supplementation.
Low levels mean slow healing or frequent infections. |
| Manganese | 0.2-2.0 | Manganese helps with bone formation and energy production. | High levels mean possible nervous system effects.
Low levels mean weak bones or slow growth. |
| Chromium | 0.05-0.5 | Chromium helps control blood sugar and supports metabolism. | High levels mean possible kidney or liver stress.
Low levels mean blood sugar may be harder to control. |
| Vanadium | 0.01-0.2 | Vanadium supports bone growth and may help with blood sugar control. | High levels mean possible stomach upset or kidney strain.
Low levels mean less support for bones and sugar control. |
| Molybdenum | 0.02-0.15 | Molybdenum helps break down certain amino acids and supports detoxification. | High levels mean possible gout-like symptoms.
Low levels mean trouble breaking down toxins. |
| Boron | 0.1-3.0 | Boron supports bone health and helps the body use calcium and magnesium. | High levels mean possible joint pain or digestive upset.
Low levels mean weaker bones. |
| Iodine | 0.25-3.0 | Iodine is needed for thyroid hormone production and brain development. | High levels mean possible thyroid overactivity.
Low levels mean thyroid may not work well. |
| Lithium | 0.01-0.06 | Lithium helps with mood balance and brain function. | High levels mean possible toxicity or confusion.
Low levels mean less support for mood stability. |
| Phosphorus | 70-170 | Phosphorus is important for bones, teeth, and energy storage. | High levels mean possible kidney issues.
Low levels mean weak bones or muscle weakness. |
| Selenium | 0.8-2.5 | Selenium supports the immune system and helps protect cells from damage. | High levels mean possible hair loss or stomach upset.
Low levels mean weak immune response. |
| Strontium | 0.5-3.0 | Strontium helps with bone strength and structure. | High levels mean possible bone changes.
Low levels mean less support for bone health. |
| Sulfur | 200-400 | Sulfur is needed for making proteins and detoxifying the body. | High levels mean possible digestive upset.
Low levels mean trouble making proteins or detoxifying. |
| Cobalt | 0.01-0.1 | Cobalt is part of vitamin B12 and helps make red blood cells. | High levels mean possible thyroid or heart issues.
Low levels mean anemia or nerve problems. |
| Iron | 7-25 | Iron is needed for red blood cells and carrying oxygen in the body. | High levels mean possible iron overload or liver issues.
Low levels mean anemia or tiredness. |
| Germanium | 0.01-0.1 | Germanium may help support the immune system and oxygen use in the body. | High levels mean possible kidney strain.
Low levels mean less support for oxygen use. |
| Rubidium | 0.1-1.0 | Rubidium may help with nerve function and energy production. | High levels mean possible nervous system effects.
Low levels mean less support for nerve signals. |
| Zirconium | 0.01-0.1 | Zirconium is a trace element with unclear roles in the body, but may be present from environmental exposure. | High levels mean possible environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Element Ratios | |||
| Calcium/Magnesium | 3-9 | This ratio helps show if calcium and magnesium are balanced for bone and muscle health. | High levels mean too much calcium compared to magnesium.
Low levels mean more magnesium than calcium. |
| Sodium/Potassium | 1-3 | This ratio helps check adrenal and kidney function and fluid balance. | High levels mean possible stress or adrenal issues.
Low levels mean possible kidney or salt loss. |
| Zinc/Copper | 8-12 | This ratio is important for immune function and brain health. | High levels mean more zinc than copper.
Low levels mean more copper than zinc. |
| Zinc/Cadmium | 100-200 | This ratio helps show if toxic cadmium is affecting zinc levels in the body. | High levels mean healthy zinc compared to cadmium.
Low levels mean possible cadmium exposure. |
| Calcium/Phosphorus | 1.5-2.5 | This ratio helps check bone health and how the body uses these minerals. | High levels mean more calcium than phosphorus.
Low levels mean more phosphorus than calcium. |
| Toxic Elements | |||
| Aluminum | 0.0-7.0 | Aluminum is a metal that can build up from cookware, water, or some medications and may affect the brain and nervous system. | High levels mean possible exposure from environment or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Antimony | 0.00-0.03 | Antimony is used in batteries and flame retardants and can be toxic in high amounts. | High levels mean possible industrial or environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Arsenic | 0.00-0.10 | Arsenic is a toxic metal found in some foods, water, and pesticides, and can affect nerves and digestion. | High levels mean possible exposure from water, rice, or seafood.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Barium | 0.00-0.20 | Barium is used in industry and can be toxic if too much is absorbed. | High levels mean possible industrial or environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Beryllium | 0.00-0.02 | Beryllium is used in electronics and can cause lung or skin problems if inhaled or absorbed. | High levels mean possible workplace or environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Bismuth | 0.00-0.10 | Bismuth is found in some medicines and cosmetics and can be toxic in large amounts. | High levels mean possible overuse of products with bismuth.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Cadmium | 0.00-0.10 | Cadmium is a toxic metal found in batteries, cigarettes, and some foods, and can affect kidneys and bones. | High levels mean possible exposure from smoking or environment.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Lead | 0.00-0.50 | Lead is a toxic metal found in old paint, pipes, and some imported goods, and can affect the brain and nerves. | High levels mean possible exposure from old paint, pipes, or soil.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Mercury | 0.00-0.30 | Mercury is a toxic metal found in some fish, dental fillings, and industrial pollution, and can affect nerves and memory. | High levels mean possible exposure from fish or dental work.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Platinum | 0.00-0.02 | Platinum is used in jewelry and car parts and can be toxic in high amounts. | High levels mean possible exposure from jewelry or industry.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Thallium | 0.00-0.01 | Thallium is a highly toxic metal used in some electronics and pesticides. | High levels mean possible environmental or industrial exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Thorium | 0.00-0.01 | Thorium is a radioactive metal found in some rocks and industrial sites. | High levels mean possible environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Uranium | 0.00-0.01 | Uranium is a radioactive metal found in some water and soil, and can be toxic to kidneys. | High levels mean possible environmental or water exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Nickel | 0.00-0.20 | Nickel is used in coins, jewelry, and industry, and can cause skin or lung problems if too much is absorbed. | High levels mean possible exposure from jewelry or environment.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Silver | 0.00-0.10 | Silver is used in jewelry, utensils, and some medicines, and can build up in the body if overexposed. | High levels mean possible overuse of silver products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Tin | 0.00-0.20 | Tin is used in cans and some alloys, and can be toxic in high amounts. | High levels mean possible exposure from canned foods or industry.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Titanium | 0.00-0.10 | Titanium is used in implants, paints, and cosmetics, and is usually not toxic but can build up with high exposure. | High levels mean possible exposure from implants or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Heavy Metals Hair Test FAQ
Is there Heavy Metals Hair Test testing near me?
This test is a home kit, so you can collect your hair sample locally and send it to the lab using the provided instructions. If you have concerns about ongoing exposure to metals in your environment, being able to collect your sample at home makes it easier to check for possible sources without delay.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service for a detailed explanation from our clinical team.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes shipping the kit to you and back to the lab, but draw fees may apply if you need help with collection. Testing for metals and minerals can help you find out if exposure is causing symptoms like tiredness or trouble focusing, so you can address them sooner.
How often should I retest?
It is usually recommended to retest every 6 to 12 months, especially if you are tracking changes after reducing exposure or starting a detox program. Regular retesting helps you and your doctor see if your levels are improving or if further steps are needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), which is highly specific and sensitive for detecting metals in hair samples, with specificity and sensitivity both above 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- You will be responsible for the costs of sending the kit and returning the samples.
- This test can not be collected or mailed from New York State. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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