Zinc (Zn), Hair
The test determines the zinc level — an important trace element involved in enzyme function, immune maintenance, metabolic regulation, and hair and skin growth. Used for assessing the body's mineral status, zinc deficiency, or excess.
Mechanism of abnormalities: decreased zinc level may indicate trace element deficiency, absorption disorder, or increased losses. Elevation is rare.
Recommended for:
- people with skin and hair problems
- with frequent infections or decreased immunity
- for monitoring nutrition and therapy in trace element deficiency
- with growth and development disorders
Biomaterial: Hair (roots and length)
- Hair must be clean, without hairspray, oils, or chemical treatment
- Avoid using cosmetics the day before collection
- Collect hair from the occipital area, 50-100 strands
Medications: zinc supplement or multivitamin intake should be reported to the doctor
Biomaterial collection:
In the absence of head hair, it can be compensated with hair from any other body part, with a corresponding note on the order form.
1. Hair must be clean and thoroughly dried.
2. Do not apply hair care or styling products before the test.
3. For colored hair, testing is recommended 2 months after the coloring procedure.
4. Stop using medicated shampoos, anti-dandruff products, mousses, medicated balms, and gels 2 weeks before submitting hair for testing.
5. If you use products such as 'Antisedin,' discontinue use 3 months before the test.
6. Wash hands thoroughly before the hair-cutting procedure. Use of latex gloves is not recommended.
7. The hair-cutting instrument (scissors or razor) must have clean cutting surfaces.
8. Hair must be carefully cut (not pulled out!) close to the roots, at 4-5 spots on the back of the head near the neck area.
9. It is preferable to leave 3-5 cm of cut hair from the roots, trimming off the excess.
10. Gather the cut hair into a bundle 2-3 mm thick and place it in the small inner envelope. Mark the area where the root end of the strand is located with the label 'root.'
11. If hair is very short, cut enough to fill a teaspoon.
- Weak or falling hair
- Growth and development disorders
- Frequent infections or decreased immunity
- Delayed sexual development
- Suspected trace element deficiency or excess
Normal — hair zinc level within reference values
Abnormality — requires physician assessment to determine the cause and choose further tactics
Which doctor to consult:
For test abnormalities, consultation with a general practitioner or endocrinologist is recommended. The doctor evaluates laboratory results, correlates them with the clinical picture, and if needed prescribes dietary correction, therapy, or additional examinations.
Self-treatment is not recommended!
