The Metabolon Process

The process for analyzing samples is shown below:

Study Design.  Each project involves a Metabolon project manager, a Ph.D. biochemist, who is experienced in many areas of biochemistry and acts as the single point of contact throughout the project.  The project manager, in collaboration with the client, helps design the experiment so that it is aligned with the client's goals using optimal statistical power.

Sample Collection.  Metabolon provides guidelines for collecting the samples (vials, storage, transport) to assure the highest quality data.  Samples are shipped to Metabolon where they are verified, logged, and stored until being prepared for analysis.

Analysis.  Each sample is prepared using a proprietary extraction technique to assure that a broad range of biochemicals are recovered from the sample. Our extensive experience permits analysis from a wide array of sample types, such as plasma, urine, CSF, cell pellets, cell media, and crevicular fluid. After extraction, the sample is analyzed by both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) and detected by mass spectrometry (MS). To ensure the highest quality data, approximately 30% of the samples run are standards and controls.

Biochemical Identification.  Each detected biochemical is automatically compared to a reference standard in our database, using retention index and mass spectrum.  Biochemicals that match a database entry are named and novel biochemicals that don't match are added to the database (as "un-named" biochemicals) and tracked for possible future identification.

Statistical Analysis. Once biochemicals have been identified, the project manager analyzes the data to check for quality and then applies statistical analysis to determine which biochemicals show a significant change.

Biochemical Interpretation.  With hundreds of changing biochemicals in each experiment, the project manager organizes the biochemicals by biochemical pathways and interprets the changes within the context of the existing literature and the experimental design.

Final Report.  All of the information from the analysis and interpretation is presented in a final report, including plots of global biochemical changes, lists of significantly affected biochemicals, and interpretation of changes.  In addition, a digital file of biochemicals is available for uploading into an in-house informatics system.