Element Profiles

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the minimum specimen requirement for this test?

■Whole blood – 4mL
■Hair – ½ gram
■Urine - there is no minimum specimen requirement as it is a 6-8hr. or 24hr. urine collection. For accurate results, no collections should be missed during the collection period

2. How long do I have once the specimen is collected to get it to the laboratory? (Please see proper specimen storage under the “Shipping” section)

■Whole blood – within 3 days of collection
■Urine – within 1 week of collection
■Hair – indefinitely

3. I hear different terminology for these tests, minerals, heavy metals, toxic elements, etc. What does it all mean?

Minerals can be referred to in several different ways. Minerals and elements are the same thing. Good minerals such as zinc and copper can be referred to as nutrient elements. Bad minerals such as arsenic and lead can be referred to as heavy metals or toxic elements.

4. I just had my hair chemically treated (i.e. permed, dyed) can I still do the hair mineral collection?

No, you should wait at least a month after chemical treatments to collect the hair mineral specimen.

5. What is the difference between testing blood, hair, and urine for minerals?

Blood is the specimen most frequently used to assess nutrient status (with some exceptions) and current toxic metal exposures.

Hair specimens can be useful in routine screening for toxic metal exposure, however may not be as helpful in determining essential nutrient status.

Urine levels can vary with recent dietary intake. Enhanced sensitivity may be obtained by measuring 6-8, or 24-hour excretion following oral or IV challenge with a chelating agent that mobilizes the elements and metals from body tissues.

Comparing results from multiple types of specimens is the best way to provide a more complete picture of elemental status.

6. What are minerals and why are they important for health?

Minerals are the small but essential nutrients which support proper function of the body. You could hold the total amount of the mineral zinc present in your body on the tip of your finger, but without it your cells could not divide and grow, and your organs would stop working in minutes. Every function of your body, from digestion to nerve impulse conduction and brain function is critically dependent on the presence and balance of about two-dozen different minerals. Your tissues cannot produce these elements, so they must be supplied regularly in your diet. Many factors, however, make it difficult for us to get adequate amounts of minerals. Modern food production depletes minerals from foods, and our lifestyles do not always make it convenient for us to eat the right balance of foods. Additionally, inadequate digestion and absorption of these nutrients can lead to subtle yet significant deficiencies that can cause serious health problems.

7. Is mineral deficiency common?

Recent surveys by the Center for Disease Control show surprisingly high numbers of people in the United States are not getting enough essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Magnesium, in particular, is necessary in over 300 different enzyme reactions in the body. It has been found to be low in about half of the population, frequently without any symptoms. This statistic is significant, given new evidence linking magnesium deficiency to heart attacks and high blood pressure, diseases that are often recognized too late. While the RDA for magnesium is around 400 mg, studies have determined that the average American diet supplies only 279 mg daily.

8. Can minerals be toxic?

Yes, there are certain elements that have no known benefits to humans, and are considered toxic. Examples would include but are not limited to lead, mercury, and arsenic. Even too high a level of beneficial nutrient minerals can be a problem. For example, in normal quantities, zinc is essential; in quantities too high, it can cause anemia, and deplete copper.