Most of the nutrient minerals are measured by TMA including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, selenium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, cobalt and boron. Other key elements and toxins such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and antimony are also analysed.

TMA is considered more representative and sensitive than blood analysis because minerals and heavy metals are not STORED in the blood. Blood is essentially a transport mechanism and survival demands that blood homeostasis is maintained. Usually, by the time mineral imbalance or heavy metals are detected in blood samples, tissue levels (storage levels) have been abnormal for some time and damage has occurred.

Like all test work, a TMA must be interpreted by a practitioner who is trained and experienced. When interpreting a TMA it is important to remember that the body requires mineral balances to be maintained within a certain range and many regulatory mechanisms are in place in the body to ensure this occurs. Mineral imbalances may indicate that the regulatory mechanisms are not working correctly and the naturopath must determine why. This can only be achieved by carefully reviewing the patient's health history as part of the TMA interpretation process.