Traced is an at-home hair testing service that measures levels of environmental elements, including toxic metals and essential minerals in your hair. Your results are compared against a global reference database and presented in a clear, easy-to-read report so you can better understand your everyday exposure patterns.

What does my Traced Score mean?

Your Traced Score is a single number (out of 10) that summarizes your overall exposure profile. It compares your essential nutrient levels against your toxic element levels relative to our reference database. A lower score simply means your results differ more from the reference population, it is not a measure of your health and is not a diagnosis of any condition.

Is this a medical test?

No. Traced is an informational exposure assessment. Results are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The test has not been evaluated or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always consult a qualified clinician about your health.

Who performs the lab analysis?

Testing is performed by LinusBio located in North Brunswick, NJ.

What do I need to collect my sample?

Your kit includes everything you need: a plastic tube, a label, and a pre-paid return envelope. You'll need clean scissors to snip the hair, clean tweezers to help insert the hair into the tube, and a pen to fill out any labels or necessary paperwork.

How much hair do I need to provide?

You need at least 5 strands of hair, cut as close to the scalp as possible. Your hair must be at least 1.5 inches long. If it is shorter than that, wait a little longer before collecting.

Can I collect my sample if I color or chemically treat my hair?

Please wait at least one month after any dye or chemical treatment before collecting your sample. Treatments can affect the chemical composition of the hair and may influence results.

Should I pull hair out from the root?

No. Cut hair with clean scissors as close to the scalp as possible. Do not pull or pluck hair from the root.

What elements does Traced measure?

Traced measures 15 environmental elements. Toxic elements which have no known beneficial role in the body include Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Arsenic, Barium, and Aluminum. Essential elements, which support normal body function, include Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Phosphorus, and Calcium. Lithium and Strontium are also measured as elements that sit between these two categories.

What do "Low," "Medium," and "High" levels mean?

These levels reflect how your result compares to Traced's global reference database. They are not clinical thresholds and do not indicate whether a level is safe or unsafe for you personally. A "High" result means your level is elevated relative to others in the reference population, it does not confirm a specific source of exposure or predict a health outcome.

My results show a high level for a toxic element. Should I be concerned?

A high level is a signal worth noting, not a cause for alarm. Hair levels can reflect both internal exposure and external contact with the hair itself, so results should be treated as clues rather than confirmed findings. Review the practical everyday steps in your Exposure Guidance section and bring your results to a clinician if you have specific concerns.

What time period do the results cover?

Your report covers approximately 30 days of history based on the hair sample provided.

What is the Exposure Guidance section?

The Exposure Guidance section translates your elevated results into practical, everyday tips you can consider, things like reviewing your drinking water source, adjusting food preparation habits, or reducing contact with certain materials. It is informational only and is not a prescribed course of action or medical advice.

Could my supplements affect my results?

Yes, it is possible. Supplements, antacids, vitamins, and over-the-counter products can contribute to mineral levels measured in hair. If your results show elevated levels of an essential mineral, it may be worth reviewing the products you take regularly. Bring a full list or photos of your supplements and OTC products to your next clinician or pharmacist visit to discuss whether anything warrants a closer look.

Should I stop taking my supplements based on these results?

No. Do not start, stop, reduce, or change any medication, supplement, or over-the-counter product based on this report alone. If you have questions about specific products, check the labels for relevant ingredients and bring them to a clinician or pharmacist for review.

When will I receive my results?

You will receive an email when your results are ready. Processing typically takes approximately 15 business days from when the lab receives your sample.

How can I cancel my order?

You may contact us to cancel the order and obtain a refund within 48 hours of placing your order. Visit our support page to <a href=/pages/contact> contact us </a>.

Frequently
asked questions

01

About Traced

Traced is an at-home hair testing service that measures levels of environmental elements, including toxic metals and essential minerals in your hair. Your results are compared against a global reference database and presented in a clear, easy-to-read report so you can better understand your everyday exposure patterns.
Your Traced Score is a single number (out of 10) that summarizes your overall exposure profile. It compares your essential nutrient levels against your toxic element levels relative to our reference database. A lower score simply means your results differ more from the reference population, it is not a measure of your health and is not a diagnosis of any condition.
No. Traced is an informational exposure assessment. Results are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The test has not been evaluated or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always consult a qualified clinician about your health.
Testing is performed by LinusBio located in North Brunswick, NJ.

02

About the
Traced test

Your kit includes everything you need: a plastic tube, a label, and a pre-paid return envelope. You'll need clean scissors to snip the hair, clean tweezers to help insert the hair into the tube, and a pen to fill out any labels or necessary paperwork.
You need at least 5 strands of hair, cut as close to the scalp as possible. Your hair must be at least 1.5 inches long. If it is shorter than that, wait a little longer before collecting.
Please wait at least one month after any dye or chemical treatment before collecting your sample. Treatments can affect the chemical composition of the hair and may influence results.
No. Cut hair with clean scissors as close to the scalp as possible. Do not pull or pluck hair from the root.

03

Understanding
your results

Traced measures 15 environmental elements. Toxic elements which have no known beneficial role in the body include Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Arsenic, Barium, and Aluminum. Essential elements, which support normal body function, include Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Phosphorus, and Calcium. Lithium and Strontium are also measured as elements that sit between these two categories.
These levels reflect how your result compares to Traced's global reference database. They are not clinical thresholds and do not indicate whether a level is safe or unsafe for you personally. A "High" result means your level is elevated relative to others in the reference population, it does not confirm a specific source of exposure or predict a health outcome.
A high level is a signal worth noting, not a cause for alarm. Hair levels can reflect both internal exposure and external contact with the hair itself, so results should be treated as clues rather than confirmed findings. Review the practical everyday steps in your Exposure Guidance section and bring your results to a clinician if you have specific concerns.
Your report covers approximately 30 days of history based on the hair sample provided.
The Exposure Guidance section translates your elevated results into practical, everyday tips you can consider, things like reviewing your drinking water source, adjusting food preparation habits, or reducing contact with certain materials. It is informational only and is not a prescribed course of action or medical advice.

04

Elements
explained

- Element Type What it is & where it's found
- Magnesium (Mg)
  Essential
  An essential mineral found naturally in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, as well as in many laxatives and antacids.
- Manganese (Mn)
  Essential
  An essential mineral found in grains and tea. Can also be present in urban air from industrial emissions.
- Copper (Cu)
  Essential
  An essential metal found in drinking water from copper pipes and in foods such as shellfish and nuts.
- Zinc (Zn)
  Essential
  An essential mineral found in foods such as meat and legumes. Also used in sunscreens and cold lozenges.
- Cobalt (Co)
  Essential
  A trace element found in Vitamin B12. Can also be present in blue glass, metal alloys, and rechargeable batteries.
- Phosphorus (P)
  Essential
  An essential mineral found in protein-rich foods and added to sodas as a preservative.
- Calcium (Ca)
  Essential
  An essential nutrient found in dairy products and leafy greens. Also used in antacids and supplements.
- Element Type What it is & where it's found
- Lead (Pb)
  Toxic
  A toxic metal found in old paint dust, aging pipes, and contaminated soil.
- Cadmium (Cd)
  Toxic
  A toxic heavy metal commonly found in tobacco smoke and leafy vegetables grown in contaminated soil. Also present in house dust and soil tracked indoors.
- Nickel (Ni)
  Toxic
  A metal found in everyday items like jewelry, watch backs, belt buckles, eyeglass frames, keys, coins, and mobile phones. Also present in some foods such as nuts and chocolate.
- Arsenic (As)
  Toxic
  A naturally occurring toxic element found in some well water and groundwater, rice, and materials historically used for pressure-treated wood.
- Barium (Ba)
  Toxic
  A naturally occurring metal found in deep well water, as well as in some industrial and household products.
- Aluminum (Al)
  Toxic
  A metal widespread in the environment and consumer products, including cookware, baking powder, and some personal care products.
- Element Type What it is & where it's found
- Lithium (Li)
  Other
  A naturally occurring element found in some drinking water. Also used as a mood stabilizing medication.
- Strontium (Sr)
  Other
  A naturally occurring element found in soil and seafood. Can also be present in specialized toothpaste and fortified foods.

05

Supplements
& products

Yes, it is possible. Supplements, antacids, vitamins, and over-the-counter products can contribute to mineral levels measured in hair. If your results show elevated levels of an essential mineral, it may be worth reviewing the products you take regularly. Bring a full list or photos of your supplements and OTC products to your next clinician or pharmacist visit to discuss whether anything warrants a closer look.
No. Do not start, stop, reduce, or change any medication, supplement, or over-the-counter product based on this report alone. If you have questions about specific products, check the labels for relevant ingredients and bring them to a clinician or pharmacist for review.

06

Help with
your order

You will receive an email when your results are ready. Processing typically takes approximately 15 business days from when the lab receives your sample.
You may contact us to cancel the order and obtain a refund within 48 hours of placing your order. Visit our support page to contact us .

Disclaimer: This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Traced is an exposure assessment laboratory test. Results are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The test has not been evaluated or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently asked questions

01