Hair Manganese Concentration (Mass)
This test measures the amount of manganese present in a sample of your hair. Hair manganese testing is often used to assess long-term exposure to manganese, which can be important in certain health conditions.
["Hair manganese helps track manganese levels over time, useful for monitoring potential exposure risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17244-5
- Short code
- Manganese Hair-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Manganese Hair-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to manganese exposure, such as neurological issues, chronic fatigue, or unexplained metal toxicity. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for occupational or environmental exposure to heavy metals.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll provide a small sample of your hair, usually taken from the back of your head. The sample is collected by a healthcare professional or sent to a lab for analysis.
How the Test Works
Manganese is measured in your hair using a specialized laboratory technique that quantifies its mass concentration. Hair serves as a historical record of manganese intake, reflecting levels over months or years.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., micrograms per gram of hair). While reference ranges vary by lab, elevated levels may suggest prolonged exposure to manganese, which can have health implications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Hair manganese testing is useful for identifying chronic manganese exposure that may not be detected by blood tests alone. Elevated levels can be associated with neurological toxicity, respiratory issues, or other metal-related health concerns. It’s particularly valuable in cases of suspected occupational exposure or environmental contamination.
Short name
Hair Manganese
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can hair manganese levels change over time?
Is there any risk or discomfort associated with this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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