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How to Take a Hair Sample

Before you begin

This is Important!

Proper collection of the hair sample is extremely important and cannot be over-emphasized. Make sure you are working in a clean environment. The following guidelines should be maintained to insure the collection of a metabolically representative sample and to avoid the introduction of external contaminants prior to, during and following the collection process.

Sample Type

Scalp hair is the only source recommended for analysis. Pubic and other body hair should only be used as a last resort if scalp hair is not available. Note: Pubic and other body hair is only recommended for confirmation of elevated toxic metals and/or to rule out external contamination of the scalp hair.

Preparation

The hair to be collected should be untreated, i.e. not permed, dyed or bleached. If the hair has been chemically treated, wait until sufficient new virgin growth has emerged to allow collection. This is approximately 4 weeks. The hair should also be free of all gels, oils and hair creams prior to sample collection. For those individuals environmentally and/or occupationally exposed to external contaminants, (welding, mining, etc...) special care should be taken to limit exposure between washing of the hair and the collection of the sample.

Location

Each collected sample should be taken in small portions from at least four to five different locations of the scalp. The recommended areas for collection are the nape of the neck (the back bottom portion of the neck), the top back portion of the neck, and the side of the skull. Note: The picture I've shown shows rather large sample areas for clarity. The areas you cut need not be this large.

Sample Length

High grade stainless steel scissors or thinning shears should be used to cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible. The length of the collected hair should not exceed 1½ inches. The proximal portion (1½ inches closest to the root) should be retained and the excess discarded.

Note: The hair next to the scalp is reflective of the most recent metabolic activity. Try to get the sample from this area.

Weight

Two full heaping teaspoons should approximate the weight requirement. The weight requested for a hair specimen is 250 milligrams (0.25 Gram). Make sure that you send at least this much and if in doubt send more. If the amount of hair submitted is not adequate, this will delay your test results.

How Long Does it Take to Process My Hair Sample?

Once your sample is received it is sent to the lab for for analysis. We send all samples via next day air to expedite the processing of your sample. The report is typically received back from the lab in 3 days. When we receive the report, you are immediately emailed a copy of the report prior to your consultation. Your on-line doctor/clinician then studies the report along with your health history information before recommendations are made.

Where To Send the Hair Sample

When you have followed all of the instructions above complete the following submission form. All items must be completed, otherwise you may expect a delay in processing your hair sample:

Have you had a permanent or coloring in the last 6 weeks? ____ No ____ Yes (If yes, you CAN NOT submit a sample at this time. If your hair has been chemically treated, wait until sufficient new virgin growth has emerged to allow collection. This is approximately 4 weeks.) Please notify the BecomeHealthyNow.com central office that your sample will be delayed by calling (727) 461-7354. We will note this in your medical record so we know when to expect the sample.

Your Name: ________________________________________________________________

Date Hair Sample was obtained: _____________________________________________

Type of Hair Sample: ___ Scalp  ___ Axillary (arm pit) ___ Pubic

Your Ethnic Origin: ___ Caucasian  ___ African-American  ___ Hispanic  ___ Asian 

Other ____________________________________________

Your Occupation: _________________________________________________________

Your Natural Hair Color: ___ Blonde  ___ Brown  ___ Black  ___ Grey  ___ Red

Are You Pregnant?  ___ Yes  ___ No  ___ Maybe

Your Birthday:  ___________ Month  ________ Day  __________ Year

Names of Shampoos Used: _________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Names of any dyes used: ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Names of any prescription medications you take: _____________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Your Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Send your sample and this form to:

BecomeHealthyNow.com, Inc
519 Cleveland St. Ste 115
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 461-7354

Last updated March 11, 2006