What Is an HTMA Test? Benefits and Difference Between Profile 1 & 2
Minerals roughout the body, including energy production, nervous system function, muscle activity, bone health, enzyme reactions and antioxidant protection. However, minerals do not work independently. The balance and relationship between different minerals can be just as important as the level of an individual mineral.
A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, commonly known as an HTMA test, provides a convenient way to measure nutrient minerals, toxic elements and important mineral ratios using a small sample of hair.
At KimiKim Organics, we offer Adult and Child HTMA Profile 1 and Profile 2 tests through International Trace Elements Laboratory. Both profiles analyse the same extensive panel of elements, but they differ significantly in the level of interpretation and guidance included in the final report. Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis?
HTMA is a non-invasive laboratory test that measures the concentration of selected minerals and trace elements found in a hair sample.
During hair growth, elements circulating within the body may become incorporated into the hair. Once the hair emerges from the scalp and hardens, these elements remain within the hair structure, allowing the laboratory to measure their concentrations.
The test can provide information about:
- Nutrient mineral levels
- Potential mineral excesses or imbalances
- Exposure to selected toxic elements
- Relationships between important minerals
- Patterns that may be useful when reviewing diet, supplementation and overall health
HTMA should be considered a screening and educational tool rather than a standalone diagnostic test. Results are best reviewed alongside symptoms, medical history, diet, medications and other appropriate laboratory testing.
What Does the HTMA Test Measure?
Both Profile 1 and Profile 2 measure the same panel of 35 nutritional and potentially toxic elements.
These include important nutritional elements such as:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Manganese
- Chromium
- Selenium
- Cobalt
- Molybdenum
- Sulfur
- Lithium
The analysis also measures a range of potentially toxic or environmental elements, including:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
- Aluminium
- Uranium
- Beryllium
- Barium
- Tin
- Thallium
- Nickel
Additional elements tested include germanium, bismuth, rubidium, platinum, vanadium, strontium, titanium, tungsten and zirconium. Boron may be available as an optional element. rt also calculates important mineral ratios. These relationships can provide additional context because one mineral may influence the absorption, retention or function of another.
What Are the Potential Benefits of an HTMA Test?
1. Safe and non-invasive collection
HTMA requires only a small sample of hair cut close to the scalp. There are no needles, blood draws or urine collections, making it a practical option for adults and children.
2. Measures multiple elements at once
Rather than looking at only one mineral, HTMA evaluates a broad panel of nutrient and toxic elements together. This helps create a more complete picture of mineral patterns and relationships.
3. Highlights mineral ratios
A mineral result should not always be considered in isolation. Ratios between minerals may provide useful information about how different nutrients interact within the body.
For example, the report may examine relationships involving calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper and other elements.
4. May identify patterns worth investigating
HTMA may highlight low, elevated or unusual mineral patterns that can be discussed with a qualified practitioner.
These patterns do not diagnose a health condition, but they may help guide further questions about:
- Dietary intake
- Supplement use
- Digestive health
- Environmental exposure
- Lifestyle and stress
- Additional testing that may be appropriate
5. Supports more personalised nutrition planning
Instead of selecting supplements based only on general symptoms, HTMA results can provide additional information that may help a practitioner develop a more individualised nutritional plan.
This is particularly important with minerals because taking large amounts of one mineral without understanding its relationship to other minerals may sometimes contribute to further imbalance.
6. Can be used to monitor changes over time
When repeated under similar collection conditions, HTMA may help a practitioner observe changes in mineral patterns following dietary, lifestyle or supplement adjustments.
Profile 1 vs Profile 2: What Is the Difference?
The laboratory analysis is the same for both profiles. The main difference is how much interpretation and guidance you receive with the results.
| Feature | Profile 1 | Profile 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis of 35 elements | Yes | Yes |
| Nutritional and toxic element results | Yes | Yes |
| Mineral ratios | Yes | Yes |
| Graphical illustration of levels and ratios | Yes | Yes |
| Detailed patient interpretation | No | Yes |
| Discussion of mineral patterns and metabolic type | No | Yes |
| Food and food-group recommendations | No | Yes |
| Supplement recommendations | No | Yes |
| Technical practitioner report | No | Yes |
| Suggestions for possible additional clinical testing | No | Yes |
Is Included in HTMA Profile 1?
Profile 1 provides the laboratory test results only
You and your practitioner receive a graphical report showing the measured mineral levels and calculated ratios. It presents the laboratory data clearly but does not include the laboratory’s detailed written interpretation, dietary guidance or supplement recommendations.
Profile 1 may be suitable when:
- You are already working with a practitioner trained in HTMA interpretation.
- Your practitioner prefers to interpret the raw laboratory findings independently.
- You understand mineral levels and ratios and do not require a comprehensive explanatory report.
- You primarily require the laboratory graphs and numerical results.
Profile 1 is generally best chosen when you already have access to someone experienced in interpreting HTMA data.
What Is Included in HTMA Profile 2?
Profile 2 includes the same laboratory testing as Profile 1, together with comprehensive interpretive reports for the patient and practitioner.
The patient report includes:
- A copy of the mineral levels and ratio graphs
- An individualised evaluation of the results
- A discussion of the laboratory’s identified metabolic type
- Explanations of current mineral levels and ratios
- Information about how identified patterns may relate to body chemistry
- Recommendations for specific foods and food groups
- An explanation of why those foods may be recommended
- Supplement recommendations based on factors such as age, sex, mineral patterns and individual information supplied with the test
The practitioner report also includes a more technical interpretation of mineral levels and ratios, discussion of relevant health information supplied with the sample and suggestions for other clinical tests that may help confirm identified trends. ile 2 may be suitable when:
- This is your first HTMA test.
- You would like a detailed explanation of the results.
- You are not currently working with an HTMA-trained practitioner.
- You would like food and supplement recommendations included.
- Your healthcare practitioner would benefit from receiving a separate technical report.
- You prefer a more comprehensive starting point for discussing your mineral results.
Which HTMA Profile Should You Choose?
Choose Profile 1 when you already have an experienced practitioner who will interpret the results and provide personalised recommendations.
Choose Profile 2 when you want the laboratory’s comprehensive interpretation, dietary recommendations, supplement guidance and practitioner report included.
For many people completing HTMA for the first time, Profile 2 provides the more useful and accessible option because it explains the results rather than presenting laboratory graphs alone.
However, recommendations provided in the report should still be reviewed in the context of your individual health, medications, existing supplements and relevant medical test results.
Adult and Child HTMA Testing
KimiKim Organics offers both profiles for adults and children:
- Adult HTMA Profile 1
- Adult HTMA Profile 2
- Child HTMA Profile 1
- Child HTMA Profile 2
The difference between Profile 1 and Profile 2 remains the same for both adults and children: Profile 1 provides test results, while Profile 2 includes comprehensive interpretation and recommendations. Any supplement recommendations should always be reviewed with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary or supplementation changes.
Preparing a Hair Sample
For the most reliable sample:
- Use clean, well-rinsed hair.
- Cut the hair with clean stainless-steel scissors.
- Take small sections from the back of the head or nape of the neck.
- Cut as close to the scalp as possible.
- Retain the approximately 4 centimetres of hair closest to the scalp.
- Do not mix scalp hair with body hair or other sample types.
- Follow all instructions supplied with your test kit.
Untreated scalp hair is preferred. If your hair has recently been coloured, bleached or chemically treated, follow the waiting and sampling instructions supplied with your kit before collecting the sample. e Informed Approach to Mineral Balance
HTMA can provide a useful starting point for understanding mineral levels, mineral relationships and potential exposure to selected toxic elements.
Its greatest value comes from using the results as one part of a broader health assessment—not as a diagnosis and not as a replacement for medical testing.
By choosing the profile that matches the level of interpretation you need, HTMA may help you and your practitioner make more informed decisions about nutrition, supplementation and appropriate follow-up testing.
Explore our Adult and Child HTMA Profile 1 and Profile 2 tests and select the reporting option that best suits your needs.
Important: HTMA is a screening tool and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Results and recommendations should be reviewed with a suitably qualified healthcare professional, particularly for children, during pregnancy, when taking medication or when managing a diagnosed health condition