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.
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 |
Does Animal Hair Analysis Provide Meaningful Information?
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 vs. Blood and Urine Testing
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.
Why Is Hair Used for Analysis?
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.
When Is It Worth Considering Hair Analysis for an Animal?
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
How to Collect a Hair Sample?
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
What Does an HTMA Report Look Like?
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.
Is the Analysis Safe?
Yes. The test is non-invasive and involves collecting only a small amount of hair.
Can Hair Analysis Detect Heavy Metals in Animals?
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.
HTMA Analysis in Dogs, Cats, and Horses
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
Important Information
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.
FAQ
Is Animal Hair Analysis a Veterinary Test?
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.
Does Hair Analysis Replace Blood Testing?
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.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Results?
The turnaround time depends on the laboratory and the type of analytical panel selected. In most cases, results are available within several to a dozen business days from the moment the sample is received by the laboratory.
Is HTMA Safe for Animals?
Yes. The test is non-invasive and involves only collecting a small amount of hair in accordance with the laboratory’s instructions.
Can the Analysis Be Performed Regularly?
Yes. HTMA may be performed regularly as part of ongoing monitoring of nutrition, supplementation, and environmental exposure over time. The frequency of testing depends on the individual needs of the animal and the goals of the assessment.
Can Hair Analysis Support Nutritional Planning?
HTMA may be used as an additional source of information in the context of animal nutrition and supplementation planning. The interpretation of results should always take into account the animal’s diet, lifestyle, environment, and individual condition.
References
Scientific publications and studies
- 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
- Katarzyna Chojnacka – publications in the field of elemental analysis of biological materials and environmental biomonitoring, published in journals including Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology and Polish Journal of Environmental Studies.
Technical materials and specialist publications
- MineralCo – Publications and technical resources on elemental analysis and ICP-OES
- Materials on elemental analysis of hair and biological samples available within MineralCo’s technological resources
