Service
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
A look past the bloodwork.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is a functional lab that measures mineral and trace-element levels in a small hair sample. Where blood panels show what circulates today, HTMA shows where minerals have been stored — and depleted — across the past few months. The patterns and ratios on the report give a window into stress response, metabolic tendencies, and nutrient status that standard labs simply can't capture.
What it is
- · A non-invasive functional lab using approximately a tablespoon of hair from the scalp.
- · Processed by a CLIA-certified lab; results return in roughly two weeks.
- · Mineral concentrations and key ratios — sodium/potassium, calcium/magnesium, calcium/phosphorus, zinc/copper — interpreted in context.
- · A read on stress-response patterns, mineral balance, and oxidation type.
Who it’s for
- · Anyone whose bloodwork keeps coming back 'normal' while symptoms persist.
- · People navigating chronic stress, burnout, or perimenopause.
- · Athletes and active people whose mineral needs shift under training load.
- · Those who suspect mineral depletion from chronic supplementation, dieting, or illness.
What happens
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Intake
We start with a 60–90 minute intake covering health history, lifestyle, current symptoms, prior labs, and goals. The intake itself often surfaces patterns worth following — and it tells us how to interpret the eventual HTMA report in context.
- 02
Sample collection
You collect the hair sample at home using a kit we provide, or we collect it in office. Roughly a tablespoon from the back of the scalp is enough.
- 03
Lab processing
The sample ships to a CLIA-certified lab. Results return in about two weeks. While the sample is being processed, we typically begin foundational nutrition work so progress isn't on hold.
- 04
Report review
We meet for a follow-up review session, walk through the report page by page, and translate the patterns into a personalized protocol — food first, with targeted minerals or supportive nutrients as needed.
- 05
Implementation & retest
Most clients implement the protocol over 4–6 months and retest. Mineral patterns typically shift visibly between tests, which gives us an objective measure of progress alongside how you actually feel.
What you leave with
- · Your full HTMA report (paper and digital).
- · A written protocol covering food priorities, hydration, mineral support, and lifestyle anchors.
- · Specific recommendations for follow-up cadence and retest timing.
Time & cadence
Initial intake: 60–90 minutes. Report review: 60 minutes. HTMA results return in about two weeks from sample submission.
Often paired with
Specialty support that fits.
FAQ
Common questions.
What does HTMA actually measure? +
HTMA measures macro and trace mineral levels — including magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, and others — along with toxic-element exposure. Patterns and ratios on the report give insight into stress response, metabolic tendencies, and mineral status over the past two to three months.
Is HTMA a substitute for bloodwork? +
No. Bloodwork and HTMA measure different things. Bloodwork shows what's circulating; HTMA shows what's been stored. Most clients use both. Bring recent labs to the intake — we'll work with the picture you already have.
How much does HTMA testing cost? +
The lab fee is paid directly to the lab and runs roughly the cost of a typical specialty lab order. The intake and report review are billed as nutrition consultations. Reach out via the contact form for current pricing.
Does insurance cover HTMA? +
HTMA is generally considered functional/educational and is not billed through insurance. Many clients use HSA/FSA funds for nutrition consultations. Check with your plan administrator.
How often should HTMA be repeated? +
Typically every 4–6 months while we're actively rebalancing, then less frequently for maintenance. Rapid changes — pregnancy, major illness, intense training cycles — can warrant earlier retesting.
Can I take supplements before testing? +
Yes, but tell us what you're taking. Some supplements can shift readings; we factor that in during interpretation.
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