Introduction
More and more dog and cat owners are looking for a convenient way to perform a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) without leaving home.
The test can be ordered online, the sample can be collected at home by following the provided instructions, and then sent to the laboratory. The entire process has been designed to be simple, convenient, and non-invasive for both the animal and its owner.
In this article, we explain how to order an HTMA test step by step and what you can expect once you receive your results.
Step 1. Order Your Hair Analysis Kit
The first step is to order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) kit from the Pets Diag online shop at www.petsdiag.com.
The sampling kit is sent to the email address provided during the ordering process.
After placing your order, you will receive a kit containing detailed sample collection instructions and a questionnaire about your animal.
Step 2. Complete the Questionnaire and Collect the Sample
Before sending the sample, complete the short questionnaire about your dog or cat.
Next, collect a small amount of hair according to the provided instructions.
Proper sample collection is essential to ensure accurate laboratory analysis.
Step 3. Send the Sample to the Laboratory
Send the hair sample together with the completed questionnaire to the laboratory using the address provided.
Once the sample is received, the laboratory begins the sample preparation process prior to analysis.
Step 4. Laboratory Analysis Using ICP-OES
After the sample has been prepared, laboratory analysis is performed.
The analysis is carried out using:
ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry)
This analytical technique is used to determine the elemental composition of biological samples.
The analysis evaluates, among other things:
✓ levels of selected macrominerals
✓ levels of trace elements
✓ mineral ratios
✓ the presence of selected potentially toxic elements
Step 5. Receive Your Results
Results are available within a maximum of 14 business days from the date the laboratory receives your sample. In most cases, however, the turnaround time is shorter and results are delivered within just a few days.
The report includes:
✓ a summary of the measured elemental levels
✓ mineral ratios
✓ an informative written interpretation
✓ nutritional and supplementation recommendations
The interpretation is provided for educational and informational purposes and is intended to support a more informed approach to your animal’s nutrition.
Step 6. Access Your Results
Once the analysis is complete, your results will be available in your Pets Diag user account after logging in (for EHAA analyses) or sent directly to your email address (for THAA analyses).
To access your report:
✓ register a new account or log in to your existing account
✓ go to your user dashboard
✓ download your analysis EHAA report
✓ (for THAA analyses, your report will be delivered by email)
You can also request an additional written interpretation of your results in the context of your animal’s nutrition. Before it is prepared, simply complete the short nutrition questionnaire available in your Pets Diag user account. For all EHAA Standard analyses, regardless of animal species, the additional written interpretation is provided free of charge.
Why Order an HTMA Test Online?
Ordering your HTMA test online allows you to complete the entire process without visiting a laboratory.
The key benefits include:
✓ non-invasive sample collection
✓ the convenience of collecting the sample at home
✓ laboratory analysis using ICP-OES technology
✓ online access to your report
✓ a detailed written description of the results
✓ the option to request an additional written interpretation in the context of your animal’s nutrition
Which Animals Can Benefit from HTMA?
Pets Diag offers Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for:
✓ dogs
✓ cats
✓ horses
Important Information
Hair Tissue Mineral 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. If you have any concerns about your animal’s health or require diagnostic evaluation, please consult a licensed veterinarian.
FAQ
Can I order an HTMA test online?
Yes. You can order the test online and collect the hair sample yourself by following the provided instructions.
Is sample collection safe?
Yes. The test is non-invasive and requires only a small amount of hair to be collected.
How long does it take to receive the results?
The standard turnaround time is up to 14 business days from the date the laboratory receives your sample.
Are the results available online?
Yes. Your report will either be available in your personal Pets Diag user account or sent to the email address provided when placing your order, depending on the type of analysis kit you purchased.
Is the analysis performed using ICP-OES?
Yes. Elemental analysis is performed using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry), a technology widely used to determine the elemental composition of biological samples.
Does the report include an interpretation?
Yes. The report includes a personalized written interpretation for informational purposes, along with recommendations regarding your animal’s nutrition and supplementation.
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.
Technical materials and specialist publications
- MineralCo – Publications and technical resources on elemental analysis and ICP-OES
- Pets Diag educational resources on Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for animals.
