Hair Manganese Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of manganese present in a sample of your hair, which can help assess long-term exposure or body levels of this metal.
["Hair manganese testing may help identify potential manganese exposure or deficiencies over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50874-7
- Short code
- Manganese Hair-sCnt
- Synonyms
- Manganese Hair-sCnt
- 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
What Is Hair Manganese Testing Used For?
Hair manganese testing is primarily used to evaluate long-term manganese exposure or body burden. Unlike blood tests, which show current levels, hair manganese reflects past exposure over months or years, making it useful for detecting chronic exposure to manganese, which can occur from environmental sources or certain medications.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of your hair is collected, usually from the scalp near the roots. The hair is then processed in a laboratory to measure manganese concentration. No special preparation is needed, but it’s important to avoid recent hair dye or styling products that might interfere with results.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend a hair manganese test if you have symptoms suggestive of manganese toxicity (e.g., neurological issues, liver problems) or if you work in industries with high manganese exposure (e.g., mining, welding). It may also be used in research or monitoring for certain chronic conditions.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are interpreted by a healthcare provider based on your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated levels may indicate excessive exposure, while very low levels could suggest underlying health concerns, though reference ranges vary by lab and context.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Manganese is an essential trace mineral, but high levels can be harmful to organs like the liver and nervous system. Hair manganese testing helps detect chronic exposure, which may not be apparent in blood tests. However, it’s not a direct measure of current health and should be used alongside other diagnostic tools.
Short name
Hair Manganese
Frequently asked questions
Why do some people need hair manganese testing?
What are the limitations of hair manganese testing?
How often should I get 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