THE BOTTOM LINE
The main purpose of conducting a human hair analysis is to reveal possible exposure to harmful toxic metals. This is done so that you can then do something about the exposure. We provide important exposure routes information within your result for all 32 metals tested.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classify the heavy metals Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury and one non-metal – excess Fluoride – among the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Ref: Ten chemicals of major public health concern
Why is exposure, even low-dose exposure to heavy metals, a problem? Many metals accumulate in our body over time. They interfere in mostly negative ways with our cellular metabolism. Left unchecked this eventually progresses, and often in this order - accumulation of metal in body tissues - then metabolic and cellular disruption - then physical or mental signs - then physical or mental symptoms and finally - chronic or recurrent illness.
More than half of the Metals & Minerals we test are known to be toxic, dangerous, carcinogenic or have unknown effects on humans. Long red bars in your results make it imperative to investigate possible exposure routes. Evidence indicates that results with longer red bars correlate well with even low levels of consistent exposure to these metals ranging in time from several months to a year or more.
GETTING THE MOST FROM RESULTS
THE COLOUR BARS
The objective of this visualisation is to make your result interpretation simple, quick and immediately clear and actionable. The colour and length of the coloured bars communicate the level of detected metal and how your level compares to a population sample average.
This support page contains many of the live features available within your results. We have chosen to show results online (de-identified of course) because this dynamic platform allows for a much richer and helpful experience along with the ability to receive relevant updates as they become available. We notify you via email and/or text message. You can also see and compare your results with others.
A beige coloured bar indicates that the level of metal detected in your sample is close to the sample population average or at least lower than four times the population average. If however your result is greater than four times our sample population average, the bar turns red.
EXTRA FOCUS ON CHILDREN
This is the case for all metals except Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg). These metal bars turn red when the result is only twice the sample average. We do this to prioritise children. These 4 heavy metals are very toxic to expectant mothers, developing embryos and young children during their developmental years. We realise that a red bar can provide more incentive to investigate possible sources of exposure and then to make life style changes as required to lower exposure to these toxic metals. We feel this is the responsible thing to do - for our children.
Additionally, a warning message is shown underneath if your result is greater than twice our sample population average.
RESULTS ARE "LIVE"
The examples shown below are “live” – they are currently real de-identified individual results. If you change your browser window size the results will adjust accordingly. The results also show your actual level expressed as mg of metal per kg of hair (or ppm – parts per million).
If the Lab can’t detect a particular metal in your sample – like Arsenic below – then this is indicated as below the Limit of Detection (LOD). If, on the other hand your metal level result is so high it goes beyond our full bar length – like Cadmium below – then we indicate this with a red warning sign below the visualisation along with a quantitative multiple of your result above the population average.
We have ordered the individual results; the potentially nastier metals are shown in the first section and sorted alphabetically.
Note that in the "Additional Minerals tested" section, the bars don't turn red unless they fill the entire length of the range shown. This is simply to avoid unnecessary distraction. Caution messages are however shown if bars grow greater than twice the population average
MOST IMPORTANTLY
There are links within your results (the metal name in blue) that take you to information about exposure routes and health effects of the particular metal. These reports are being updated regularly and expanded on. Our Silver Exposure Route Report provides a good example of the importance of being informed as the practice of technology and industry changes. Your chances of exposure to silver has significantly increased over the last decade with the rise of nano-particles.
Additional information includes, Date of test and Laboratory Job or ID number along with Age and Gender.
What a Hair CAN NOT tell you: A hair test analysis and the subsequent report is only useful for revealing toxic metal exposure information - especial low-dose chronic exposure. It is not possible to draw conclusions for an individual with regard to total body burden (of the metal), causal aspects of symptoms or current medical conditions in relation to a hair test result, nor to make any sort of diagnosis or prognosis from a Hair test result. World health Organisations (Including the WHO) make it very clear that toxic metals like Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead and Mercury are a significant health concern and that exposure to these metals (and others) should be avoided, especially in children.
Below are example results to indicate what they look like
Download Hair test Order Form and Instructions here.
Toxtest and Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL), a NATA certified laboratory and division of Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia, collaborate to provide affordable Hair testing for the public. Result presentation is visually rich, informative and prioritises human health. The Toxtest Hair Test analyses 32 heavy metals & minerals. Our sister site, Toxno, provides extensive exposure route and health effects information for all chemicals tested.
Graham Lancaster
EAL Managing Director
Hartmut Günther
Toxtest Owner
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