The Uncertainty of Hair Analysis for Trace Metals

Steindel, Steven J.

doi:10.1001/jama.285.1.83

Cited by 35 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Research has shown that there is personal difference in concentrations of trace elements in the human hair according to human life or history such as occupation, sex, age, food, habit, social condition and so on [1]. Lemos et al [2] have also reported that individual's deviation of elemental concentrations reflects the degree of environmental pollutants exposure to the human body, intakes of food and metabolism.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Hair Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Peter¹,

Eneji²,

Sha’Ato³

2012

AJAC

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Hair samples of individual were analysed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and As) across gender and various occupational distributions by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (AAS). The results of replicate analysis shows the following mean concentrations (mg/kg): Cd = 27.8 ± 8.0, Cr = 2.70 ± 0.7, Pb = 73.8 ± 42.3 and As = 222 ± 34.1. The coefficients of variation for the total distribution is; Cd = 28%, Cr = 26%, Pb = 57% and As = 15%. The distribution of the metals follows the series in decreasing order of As ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr, while their coefficients of variation is in the order of Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr ˃ As. The result shows the presence of all the metals in relatively large amounts with As having the highest concentration between the two genders. The difference between male and female concentration could be due to individual differences in exposure to heavy metal load as a result of habitual or environmental factors.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Hair Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Peter¹,

Eneji²,

Sha’Ato³

2012

AJAC

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“…Statistical analysis of the results indicates that there was no correlation between the body mass (R 2  0.048), height (R 2  0.002) and heavy metal concentration in hair. However, it is generally believed that the amount of heavy metals in human body should correlate with age as a result of bioaccumulation [11,12]. These toxic metals have relationship with duration of exposure (age) since their effects are cumulative [13].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Scalp Hair Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Technique

Onuwa¹,

Nnamonu²,

Eneji³

et al. 2012

JASMI

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Analysis of six heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mo) in human scalp hair was carried out among various occupational distributions to ascertain their heavy metal burden, using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique (ED-XRF). The result of the analysis shows that mean concentrations (mg/kg) of heavy metals obtained were as follows: Cr = 17.1 ± 12.7; Mn = 3.11 ± 0.50; Ni = 11.3 ± 9.3; Zn = 451 ± 128; Cu = 83.3 ± 35.8 and Mo is 9.16 ± 9.1.While the mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Mo were higher in the females, that of Mn, Ni and Zn were more in the males. Statistical analysis of the results for both genders at 0.05 probably shows significant difference for Ni, Zn and Mo while Cr, Mn and Cu showed no significant difference. The relationships between age, body mass, height, and heavy metal concentrations were also investigated. Statistical analysis of the results indicates that there was no correlation between the body mass (R2 ≤ 0.048), height (R2 ≤ 0.002) and heavy metal concentration in hair. Zn showed the highest deviation among other elements in the individual samples for both genders which reflect the individual variation in the concentration of Zn

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“…However, according to several studies that assessed the reliability of commercial laboratories performing hair mineral analysis, it has been suggested that using hair to measure essential element is meaningless8-13.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reliability on Intra-Laboratory and Inter-Laboratory Data of Hair Mineral Analysis Comparing with Blood Analysis

et al. 2013

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BackgroundNowadays, although its clinical value remains controversial institutions utilize hair mineral analysis. Arguments about the reliability of hair mineral analysis persist, and there have been evaluations of commercial laboratories performing hair mineral analysis.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the reliability of intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory data at three commercial laboratories conducting hair mineral analysis, compared to serum mineral analysis.MethodsTwo divided hair samples taken from near the scalp were submitted for analysis at the same time, to all laboratories, from one healthy volunteer. Each laboratory sent a report consisting of quantitative results and their interpretation of health implications. Differences among intra-laboratory and interlaboratory data were analyzed using SPSS version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., USA).ResultsAll the laboratories used identical methods for quantitative analysis, and they generated consistent numerical results according to Friedman analysis of variance. However, the normal reference ranges of each laboratory varied. As such, each laboratory interpreted the patient's health differently. On intra-laboratory data, Wilcoxon analysis suggested they generated relatively coherent data, but laboratory B could not in one element, so its reliability was doubtful. In comparison with the blood test, laboratory C generated identical results, but not laboratory A and B.ConclusionHair mineral analysis has its limitations, considering the reliability of inter and intra laboratory analysis comparing with blood analysis. As such, clinicians should be cautious when applying hair mineral analysis as an ancillary tool. Each laboratory included in this study requires continuous refinement from now on for inducing standardized normal reference levels.

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The Uncertainty of Hair Analysis for Trace Metals

Cited by 35 publications

References 15 publications

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Hair Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Hair Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Scalp Hair Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Technique

Reliability on Intra-Laboratory and Inter-Laboratory Data of Hair Mineral Analysis Comparing with Blood Analysis

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