Gadolinium Hair Analysis

Gadolinium is a rare earth metal commonly used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an injected dye to show contrast in tissue analysis. It is also used in magnets, fluorescent substances and superconductors. Gadolinium toxicity can cause illness contributing to hair loss and scalp lesions. Hair element analysis can help medical professionals assess gadolinium levels in the body.

Presentation

• Gadolinium toxicity can cause hair loss.

  Elevated levels of gadolinium are commonly associated with patients who have recently undergone MRI with gadolinium-based contrast agent injection. In a Copenhagen University Hospital study, doctors observed patients who suffered a skin, muscle and tissue disease called nephrogenic system fibrosis after receiving the gadolinium contrast dye. Doctors associated gadolinium toxicity with visible fibrosis symptoms, including scalp discoloration, lesions and hair loss.

Procedure

• One heaping tablespoon of hair is needed for testing.

  Researchers can analyze proteins found on hair strands to determine a multitude of health conditions including gadolinium exposure. In preparation for hair element analysis, the patient provides a 250 milligram hair sample, or one heaping tablespoon of hair, as instructed by her doctor, who sends it to a lab for gadolinium toxicity testing. Hair element testing results give doctors a reading of what is stored in the body and if there are any deficiencies.

Levels

• Lab results will reveal if patient is within a healthy range.

  Gadolinium is not found naturally in humans, so when it is injected into the body, the kidneys must eliminate the element. Gadolinium can deposit in bone tissue and may not always be cleared by the kidneys. According to hair analysis experts at Genova Diagnostics, a gadolinium level less than or equal to .0005 micrograms of gadolinium per gram of hair is considered within the normal range based on the healthy adult population.

Accuracy

• Results are reliable.

  According to the National Institute of Health online magazine, Pub Med, trace element analysis in hair can provide precise, accurate and reliable results similar to blood or urine testing. The main criticism of hair analysis testing is lack of standardized lab procedures. Other factors affecting hair analysis accuracy are scalp sample area, hair product exposure and hair growth rate.

Cost

• A variety of test options are available.

  Lab fees for hair testing run about $80 and the analysis can cost upwards of $100. A more practical option is an in-home testing kit that allows patients to do their own hair sampling preparation and mail the completed kit to a lab for results. This option can cost $30 to $100 depending on the manufacturer.