Collection Instructions:
Hair – Metals Toxic + Nutrient Elements
Test Kit Contents
Start by identifying these elements of your test kit. If you are missing or have expired components, contact Mosaic Customer Service at 800-288-0383.
- Test kit box or envelope
- Clear zip-lock bag
- Cardboard hair scale
- Return shipment envelope
Before You Start
If you have recently treated your hair, do not complete the test. Hair that has been permed, dyed, bleached, or otherwise chemically treated is vulnerable to contamination and should not be used. For best results, wait at least one month following any of these procedures to allow new hair to grow out.
As an alternative, if you are unable to use head hair, you may use pubic hair. Do not mix head and pubic hair in the same collection.
Let’s Get Started
- Complete the information on the barcode sticker by writing the patient’s name, date of birth, and collection date. Place the barcode sticker on the clear zip-lock bag. Use blue or black ink from a ball-point pen. Do not use felt-tipped pens or dry-erase markers. Note: Unlabeled samples will be rejected.
- Set up the scale by folding down the black tabs to create the fulcrum. Place the scale on a clean, level, flat surface. The side with the white circle should be facing up and not touching the table.
- For best results, use a pair of clean, sharp stainless-steel scissors. Select 5–6 small areas on the back of your head that are easy to reach.
- Cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible to capture the most recent hair growth. Save only the 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair closest to the scalp and discard the rest. Place the saved hair on the white circle of the scale.
- Continue adding hair until the scale tips down and touches the table. Place the collected hair into the clear zip-lock bag.
Repeat Step 4 as needed. Each scale tip represents 0.25 gram of hair. A total of 0.5 gram of hair is required for a successful collection, which is approximately one packed tablespoon.
Preparing the Package
- Seal the clear zip-lock bag.
- Ensure the barcode label on the kit bag has been completed.
- Place the zip-lock specimen bag into the supplied shipping envelope.
Locate the shipping instruction card for details on how to ship your specimen.
Any Questions?
If you have questions about any aspect of specimen collection or shipping, please contact us:
Phone: Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CST at 800-288-0383
Email: CustomerService@MosaicDX.com
Your test results will be delivered to your healthcare practitioner within 2–3 weeks after the sample(s) are received at Mosaic Diagnostics. Your healthcare practitioner will review the results with you, identify any areas of interest or concern, and determine appropriate next steps. Mosaic Diagnostics personnel cannot discuss test results directly with patients or family members.
