2. What Determines the Cost of the Test?
2.1. Animal Species
The range of elements analyzed and the methodology used differ slightly between dogs, cats and horses. For this reason, each species has its own dedicated packages and pricing.
2.2. Type of Package – Comprehensive Analysis (EHAA) or Toxic Elements Only (THAA)
✓ The EHAA package includes a comprehensive report covering nutritional and potentially toxic elements, mineral ratios, and a nutritional consultation.
✓ The THAA package focuses exclusively on potentially toxic elements and does not include a consultation, which is why it is available at a lower price.
The right choice depends on whether the owner is looking for a comprehensive overview of the animal’s nutritional status or is primarily interested in assessing exposure to selected heavy metals.
2.3. Nutritional Consultation
Packages that include the comprehensive EHAA analysis also include a personalized written interpretation with individual recommendations. This service increases the value of the package compared to the laboratory report alone, but it is already included in the package price and does not require any additional payment.
3. What Is Included in the Price?
Regardless of the package you choose, the price includes:
✓ a hair sampling kit delivered to the address you provide
✓ laboratory analysis using the ICP-OES method (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry)
✓ a report containing the measured element levels and mineral ratios
✓ an interpretation of the results in the context of the animal’s nutrition
✓ online access to your results without the need to visit the laboratory
Learn more about the testing process: How to Order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for Your Dog or Cat – Step-by-Step Guide.
4. Is It Worth Choosing a Package with a Personalized Written Interpretation?
A personalized written interpretation helps you understand your animal’s HTMA-EHAA results in the context of its daily nutrition, diet, supplementation, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It includes individual nutritional recommendations prepared on the basis of the laboratory findings and the information provided in the Background Survey. Whether you choose a package with or without a personalized written interpretation depends on your individual needs. Some owners prefer to review the laboratory report on their own, while others appreciate receiving tailored guidance prepared by an animal nutrition specialist.
Please note that the personalized written interpretation and any nutritional recommendations are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or consultation with a veterinarian, particularly if your animal has a diagnosed medical condition or is receiving medication.
5. How Often Should the Test Be Repeated?
There is no single universal recommendation. The frequency depends on the purpose of the analysis, such as routine nutritional monitoring, evaluating changes after a new diet, or follow-up after previous results indicated elevated levels of selected elements. The price of a follow-up test is the same as the initial analysis—there is no separate discounted price for repeat testing. If you are unsure how often your animal should be tested, consult your veterinarian or an animal nutrition specialist.
6. Is the Ordering Process the Same for Dogs, Cats and Horses?
Yes. The ordering process and testing procedure are essentially the same for all three species. The only differences are the range of elements analyzed and the package price (see the table in Section 1). Learn more about each species:
• Dog Hair Analysis – What Is It and Is HTMA Worth It?
• Cat Hair Analysis – What Does an HTMA Test Show?
• Horse Hair Analysis – What Does an HTMA Test Show and When Is It Worth Performing?
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does an HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) Test Cost for a Dog or Cat?
The comprehensive EHAA package, which includes a full report and a nutritional written consultation, costs GBP 129. The THAA package, which analyzes only potentially toxic elements and does not include a written consultation, costs GBP 49.
What Determines the Price of an HTMA Test?
The price depends on the animal species (dog, cat or horse) and the selected package—either the comprehensive EHAA analysis with written consultation or the THAA package focused only on potentially toxic elements.
How Much Does an HTMA Test Cost for a Horse?
Depending on the package, the price ranges from GBP 49 (targeted THAA package) to GBP 149 (comprehensive EHAA package with written consultation).
Is the Written Consultation Included in the Price?
Yes. EHAA packages include a written consultation. THAA packages do not include it.
Is a Follow-Up Test Cheaper?
No. The price of a follow-up test is the same as the initial analysis.
Does the Test Replace a Veterinary Examination?
No. HTMA-EHAA is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary diagnostics or consultation.
References
Scientific Publications and Professional Literature
- Skoog, D.A., Holler, F.J., Crouch, S.R. – Principles of Instrumental Analysis, Cengage Learning
- Hou, X., Jones, B.T. – Inductively Coupled Plasma/Optical Emission Spectrometry, Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry
- Kempson, I.M., Lombi, E. – Hair analysis as a biomonitor for environmental exposure, Chemical Society Reviews
- Rodushkin, I., Axelsson, M.D. – Application of ICP Techniques in Biological Material Analysis, Science of the Total Environment
Technical Resources and Specialist Publications
- MineralCo – Publications and Technical Resources on Elemental Analysis and ICP-OES
Read Also
• HTMA vs. Blood Tests in Animals – What’s the Difference and Which Test Should You Choose?
• Is Animal Hair Analysis Reliable?
• How to Order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for Your Dog or Cat – Step-by-Step Guide
