Specimen Requirements
1 gram of Hair (this equates to the length of an index finger and width of a pencil)
or
1 gram of Nails (this equates to taking clippings from all ten fingernails or toenails)
Alternate Specimen
TransportAndStorage
Ambient
Collection Instructions
Do not send razor clippings. Do not apply tape to hair.
A. Locate an area of hair at the scalp, preferable in an inconspicuous area, and bundle the hair together with fingers, clip from the roots. If hair is thin, several areas may need to be clipped and bundled together.
B. Wrap the hair, at the root end with the twist tie. DO NOT USE TAPE.
C. Place hair in an envelope or sterile container and label properly on the outside of the container.
D. Ship the sample at room temperature, do not refrigerate or freeze. Specimen stability at room temp has not been established.
1. Head hair is preferred; chest hair, mustache hair or beard hair is acceptable for metals testing sent to Mayo Medical Labs.
2. Beard trimmings and razor clippings are not acceptable.
3. Quantity requested is 500-600 mg, this is the approximate length of the index finger and the width of a pencil. (If hair is longer full locks are accepted).
Minimum Volume
0.5 grams
Neonatal Volumne