How to Test Strands of Hair for Selenium Poisoning

The trace element selenium is necessary, in small amounts, to help the body produce enzymes and proteins. However, if too much selenium is ingested, toxicity occurs. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, symptoms of chronic selenium toxicity, called selenosis, include nail and hair brittleness, hair loss, digestive upset, garlic breath, rashes, mood swings and abnormalities of the nervous system. Hair and blood tests can reveal if selenium levels are too high.(See reference 1) Since it retains information about vitamin, mineral and metal levels in the body, hair analysis can give a picture of a person’s health history. Here are some tips on getting your hair tested for selenium poisoning. (See reference 3)

Things You'll Need

• Hair analysis kit
• Stainless steel scissors
• Clean comb
• Friend
• Ruler
• Pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Find a reputable laboratory for testing your hair. Most hair analysis tests have kits that can be ordered online. Ask your doctor for a list of labs or contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at:
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
  Division of Toxicology
  1600 Clifton Road NE Mailstop E-29
  Atlanta, GA 30333.
  [phone] (See reference 2)

• 2

  Avoid coloring, bleaching or perming your hair before testing it for selenium poisoning. This will create the best quality results. Testing may still be done if you have already treated your hair; however, you may be required to wait until the hair has been washed a certain number of times before cutting hair samples. (See reference 4)

• 3

  Wash and dry your hair thoroughly before cutting your hair for testing. The hair must be completely dry and there should not be any styling product in it.

• 4

  Follow the directions for cutting strands of hair for testing once you have obtained the test kit. Most kits require hair from the back of the head, close to the nape. This is an inconspicuous area that should not be noticeable as your hair grows back. Have a friend do the cutting to avoid injury and mistakes.

• 5

  Use a clean comb and a hair clip, if necessary, to lift the top layers of hair. Cut the appropriate amount of hair as listed in the testing kit directions. Often, the length is 1 to 1 ½ inches. You may be required to cut several small patches to get the most accurate results.

• 6

  Weigh the hair. Your kit may include a small weigh scale to ensure an adequate amount of hair is sent for testing.

• 7

  Package the hair. Follow the kits instructions on appropriately packing the hair for shipment. Make sure you have properly labeled everything and filled out the necessary forms.

• 8

  Send your test sample. Once your sample has arrived at the laboratory, it may take 1 to 3 weeks for your results to arrive. (See reference 4) The hair samples will undergo a process of washing and heating. They will then be sprayed with argon, which electrically charges the atoms. Using a vacuum chamber, the atoms will be sorted by mass, identified and measured. (See reference 3)