Hair and Nail Mineral Analysis (P10)

Description

Hair and Nail Mineral Analysis (P10)

A mineral analysis that includes both hair and nail samples (fingernails or
toenails) for evaluating metal content.

What does this test measure?

Nails, like hair, incorporate minerals as they grow and can reflect exposure over roughly 6-12 months. Some toxic elements may show even more prominently in nails (e.g., arsenic is classically tested in nails for poisoning cases since nails can retain arsenic for months). By analysing hair and nails using ICP-MS, this test provides a robust picture of chronic exposure to heavy metals and also an average status of certain nutrients. It’s particularly useful if hair is not available or reliable (some people chemically treat hair, so nails serve as an alternate tissue). This panel (P10) likely includes at least 10 elements – heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, plus essential minerals.

Who is this test most suitable for?

• Residents of areas with polluted groundwater (arsenic) or near industries
• Workers in battery/recycling plants (lead)
• People who consume traditional medicines with heavy metals
• Health-conscious individuals tracking long-term mineral intake and exposure

Clinical Use

It’s used in environmental exposure investigations (for example, confirming arsenic poisoning via nail analysis is a known forensic method), and for health monitoring of people in ongoing exposure risk jobs. It underscores long-term accumulation, unlike blood tests which show recent exposure.