The significance of cadmium in hair. The influence of a recommended washing procedure on the cadmium content of hair of rats experimentally exposed to cadmium.

The impact of a "mild" preanalytical washing procedure on an elevated Cd-content in hair was studied in newly grown hair of rats exposed to a large amount of Cd in their drinking water. A large part of the Cd in hair was removed by this procedure. Agitation by way of ultrasound seems to be no more effective than agitation by mechanical shaking. The effectiveness of washing varied in accordance with the type and duration of exposure.