Calciumhairscnt
A hair calcium test measures the amount of calcium stored in your hair follicles, providing insights into your long-term calcium status and metabolic health.
{"Measures calcium levels in hair samples to assess long-term calcium status","Helps detect calcium deficiency or excess that may not appear in blood tests","Non-invasive procedure requiring only a small hair sample","Can provide information about mineral imbalances affecting health","Results help healthcare providers guide nutritional interventions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50836-6
- Short code
- Ca Hair
- Synonyms
- Calcium Hair-sCnt
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile polypropylene container or specialized hair collection kit
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 50
- Ref high
- 150
- Critical range
- 6 not specified – 14 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271565004
- Specimen volume
- Approximately 100-200 mg of hair (about 1 cm diameter bundle)
- Stability
- Room temperature: stable for several weeks; refrigerated: stable for months
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The hair calcium test is a diagnostic procedure that analyzes a small sample of your hair to measure the calcium content accumulated over time. Unlike blood tests that show your current calcium levels, hair analysis provides information about your mineral status over several months, as hair grows and incorporates minerals from your body.
How is the test performed?
The procedure is simple and painless. A small bunch of hair, usually from the back of the head, is cut close to the scalp. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where advanced techniques are used to measure the calcium concentration. The test requires no fasting or special preparation.
Why might I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms suggesting calcium imbalance, such as muscle cramps, weakness, brittle nails, or dental problems. It is also useful for monitoring long-term nutritional status, especially in individuals with chronic conditions affecting mineral absorption or metabolism.
Reference range
No standardized clinical reference range; laboratory-specific (commonly reported ~200-1500 µg/g or equivalent moles/mass)not specified
No fasting required. Avoid chemical hair treatments, dyes, bleaches, perms, or medicated shampoos for ≥2 weeks prior; collect clean untreated proximal 3-4 cm hair from posterior vertex scalp
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the hair calcium test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What do the results mean?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy