2026-05-20
Elemental analysis of animal hair (HTMA – Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) is a laboratory method used to assess the mineral composition of hair from dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. The method is used to evaluate the levels of selected nutritional and potentially toxic elements in a non-invasive hair sample. The test may be used for:
✓ analysis of macro- and microelement levels
✓ assessment of elemental ratios and relationships
✓ detection of potentially toxic elements
Hair is a biological material in which elements originating from an animal’s diet and living environment may accumulate over time.
In HTMA analysis, the hair sample undergoes specialized laboratory preparation procedures and is then analyzed using techniques such as ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry).
ICP-OES is a method used for elemental analysis of biological and environmental materials, including hair, fur, tissues, and other organic samples.
Depending on the laboratory, a hair elemental analysis report may include:
✓ levels of selected minerals
✓ relationships between individual elements
✓ presence of selected heavy metals
✓ interpretation of results in the context of animal nutrition
✓ information regarding environmental exposure
The scope of the test depends on the laboratory and the selected analytical panel. Most commonly, the analysis includes:
| Macroelements | Trace Elements | Potentially Toxic Elements |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ calcium ✓ magnesium ✓ sodium ✓ potassium ✓ phosphorus |
✓ zinc ✓ copper ✓ iron ✓ manganese ✓ selenium |
✓ lead ✓ mercury ✓ cadmium ✓ arsenic ✓ aluminium |
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about HTMA.
Hair analysis has been used for many years in studies evaluating the elemental composition of biological materials. It may provide information about long-term environmental exposure as well as the influence of nutrition on the mineral composition of hair.
The results of the analysis may be affected by factors such as:
✓ diet and supplementation
✓ living environment
✓ hair and coat care products
✓ individual characteristics of the animal, including breed, age, and overall condition
For this reason, the interpretation of results should always take the individual context of the animal into consideration.
Hair analysis, blood tests, and urine tests provide different types of information.
Hair — reflects elemental composition over a longer period of time
Blood — shows current values at the moment the sample is collected
Urine — may reflect the ongoing excretion of selected substances
These methods serve different purposes and are not directly comparable.
Hair is a biological material in which elements may gradually accumulate during hair growth. For this reason, HTMA is sometimes used to assess long-term nutritional and environmental patterns, unlike tests that reflect only the body’s current state at the time of sampling.
HTMA may be considered in situations such as:
✓ when changing the animal’s diet
✓ for monitoring nutrition and supplementation
✓ in the context of the animal’s living environment
✓ for sporting, breeding, and show animals
✓ as part of regular health and wellness monitoring
The hair sample should be collected according to the laboratory’s instructions. Most commonly:
1. Hair is cut close to the skin
2. The sample is collected from several areas
3. The material should be clean and dry
4. It is not recommended to collect hair immediately after bathing or grooming procedures
The report may include:
✓ a summary of elemental levels
✓ charts and mineral ratios
✓ interpretative descriptions
✓ information related to nutrition and supplementation
Some laboratories also offer consultations to help interpret the results in the context of animal nutrition.
Yes. The test is non-invasive and involves collecting only a small amount of hair.
HTMA allows for the assessment of selected potentially toxic elements present in an animal’s hair sample. Depending on the scope of the test, the analysis may include elements such as:
✓ mercury
✓ lead
✓ cadmium
✓ arsenic
The results are interpreted with consideration of the animal’s living environment, diet, supplementation, and possible sources of exposure to toxic elements.
Dogs
Dog hair analysis is commonly performed in the context of nutrition, activity level, and living environment.
Learn more:
Elemental Analysis of Dog Hair
Cats
In cats, the analysis may be used as part of monitoring diet and supplementation.
See also:
HTMA Analysis in Cats
Horses
In horses, HTMA is sometimes used in the context of sports nutrition, breeding, and stable environment assessment.
Read also:
Elemental Analysis of Horse Hair
Elemental hair analysis (HTMA) is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a veterinary diagnostic test and should not be used to diagnose diseases or make medical decisions. In cases involving an animal’s health or condition, consultation with a licensed veterinarian is recommended.
No. Elemental hair analysis (HTMA) is not a veterinary diagnostic test. It is an informational laboratory analysis used to assess the elemental composition of hair samples. The test does not diagnose diseases and should not replace veterinary examination, laboratory diagnostics, or consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
No. Hair analysis and blood testing provide different types of information and serve different purposes. Blood tests reflect the body’s current physiological state at the time the sample is collected, while hair analysis may provide information related to longer-term nutritional and environmental exposure patterns. These methods are complementary rather than interchangeable.
Scientific publications and studies
Technical materials and specialist publications
