HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. HTMA is a test that analyses the mineral content and heavy metals in hair.

Our certified and accredited laboratory utilises state-of-the-art ICP-Mass Spectrometry (NexION® models) for all trace element determinations.

Hair testing is a simple, non-invasive way to test minerals and heavy metals in the body. It’s a powerful and easy tool for pet parents to monitor their dog’s mineral levels without a visit to the vet or other invasive procedures. Hair provides a blueprint of biochemistry occurring during the period of hair growth and development. .

Hair testing is non-invasive and easy. Cutting your pet’s hair is painless. No special handling of the sample so it can be mailed in an standard mail envelope.

It is also very cost-effective.

Whilst a blood test absolutely can offer important information, it doesn’t supply an accurate analysis of the mineral levels over a period of time.

As blood is your body's transport system, a blood test will only provide you with a snap shot of what is in the blood at that moment in time, however; your body will store excess minerals and metals elsewhere in the body, such as the small tissues, muscles, bones and even the brain. A blood test will not show these "stores".

The blood will “borrow” nutrients from cells and tissues to create homeostasis in the blood. 

For example, a dog’s cells and tissues might be losing essential minerals such as sodium and potassium while the blood reveals what appears to be normal levels of these two minerals. However, a dog might show signs and symptoms of low potassium and sodium deficiency, but the blood results are normal. Blood results can be a late indicator of a problem.

“The balances between these essential nutrient minerals are more easily disrupted in the cells and tissues than they are in the blood. Deficiencies and excesses of minerals are more readily observed in an HTMA than in a blood analysis or urinalysis. Therefore, an HTMA is often an earlier indicator of a trend towards health problems (physical and psychological) than is a blood analysis or urinalysis. This fact is very important, especially when considering disease prevention or health maintenance nutritional supplement program.” – Dr. Rick Malter, Ph.D. The Strands of Health, 2003.

Absolutely, HTMA is considered a reliable and scientific pathology test that provides comprehensive insights into yours and your pets health.

With data on up to 32 minerals and toxic elements, along with mineral ratios, it offers a detailed picture of your mineral status.

Yes! Here are some of the studies that utilise hair mineral analysis. Here are a few articles supplied by our lab Trace Elements Inc. If you are looking for more research studies then see their Research Library

Highlights from Scientific Studies
These studies show the many strengths and the value of hair testing in the health industry:

Several research programs for studying and establishing hair trace mineral concentrations have been implemented since 1965 by the International Atomic Energy Agency. These research programs have been coordinated under “Nuclear-based Methods for the Analysis of Pollutants in Human Hair.” Hair was chosen by the I.A.E.A. due to the concentration of minerals in the hair and its reflection of both external and internal contamination. The bulk of data on trace element concentrations has been reported from hair samples obtained from the scalp.

Ryabukhin, T.S.: International Coordinated Program on Activation Analysis of Trace Element Pollutants in Human Hair. Hair, Trace Elements, and Human Illness. Brown, A. C.; Crounse, R. G., ed. Praeger Publications, 1980.

This test is to be used as a screen tool, rather than a diagnostic tool. It will not be able to diagnose health conditions, but it will be able to give you an accurate inside into the bodies internal environment to be able to lead you down the correct path when undergoing more investogations, or adapting diets and nutrition to support the body.

It is important not to stop anything prior to the test, as your supplement choice may well be correct as assisting the health of your dog,