Effects of Chemotherapy on the Concentration of Minerals in Hair

Use only head hair. Cut samples of hair from back of head (see illustration). Cut hair as close to the scalp as possible. As each piece of hair is cut from the head, save only 3.7 square inches of hair closest to the scalp. According to the Doctors Data Lab, this amount is about enough hair to fill a tablespoon. Cut off and discard the rest. Place the saved hair on the scale. Keep cutting and adding hair to the scale until it tips. Hair collection will be about the weight of one to two paper clips (about 3800 strands). Remove the hair on the scale and put it in the plastic bag. Label the plastic bag with the patient's unique random identification and the date collected. Put the hair into the plastic bag, seal, and send to The Doctor's Data Lab.