Study Design | Chapter 7
Throughout this guide, you’ve learned about the process of designing and executing a metabolomics study to answer your scientific questions. We first showed you how to determine your study goals and reviewed the available technology. From there, we helped you consider whether to use an untargeted screening or a targeted experimental approach, dove deep into sample types and preparation steps to consider and explained how Metabolon returns your data to you and what you can expect from us throughout the entire process.
You are now equipped to build a metabolomics experimental workflow; we encourage you to refer to the previous chapters of this guide at any time and contact us for further information. Here’s a quick review of the main points of discussion in each chapter that you can use to find what you need quickly:
Your Guide to a Successful Metabolomic Study will equip researchers to leverage metabolomics in their labs and workflows for a variety of indications throughout the life sciences. In particular, we will cover how to select metabolites, targeted versus untargeted analysis, appropriate technology and instrumentation, study design, control versus variant analysis, sample types, sample preparation, and effective analysis of metabolomics results.
Before you embark on a metabolomics study, there are several important considerations you should make—especially if you are going to work with a vendor to complete your study. In Chapter 1 of this guide, we arm you with the most important questions you need to ask to select the right vendor and complete your metabolomics study with confidence.
In Chapter 2, we introduce the metabolomics study workflow, providing an overview of study design, sample preparation, sample analysis, and data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. We also include key considerations for each step so that you can move on to building your metabolomic study with confidence.
In Chapter 3, we take a deep dive into designing your metabolomics study, starting with defining the study objective and approach. We explain the importance of having a sufficiently powered study with careful consideration of controls and data normalization—aspects of experimental design where Metabolon can assist. Finally, we set expectations for the type of data you will receive from your metabolomics study and how to mock up your study to identify any areas of concern using our Study Design Tool or working with your Study Director before sample collection.
In Chapter 4, we introduce the main sample types used for human, animal, and environmentalmetabolomics studies: blood, urine, feces, tissue, and others. We review sample preparation best practices and potential complications for each type, including collection, processing, and contaminant removal.
In Chapter 5, we discuss best practices for sample collection, shipping, and preparation to preserve sample integrity and reduce the risk of data variability, instrument interference, and metabolite degradation.
Together with Chapter 4, Chapter 5 provides an overview of sample types and common considerations in the sample collection and processing workflow to ensure high-quality, reproducible metabolomic data.
In Chapter 6, we show you what to expect when you receive your data from Metabolon. A metabolomic study may probe hundreds or thousands of metabolites per sample; by introducing the data analysis and interpretation tools and support you’ll have access to, we unpack what you will receive and how it can be used for further analysis and publication.
This guide has led you through the steps of running a metabolomics study with Metabolon from start to finish. Beyond the tips and considerations presented, you know exactly what support you will receive from your Study Director and Metabolon throughout the process. Contact us today to get started on your metabolomics study!
Once you see the full value of metabolomics, the only remaining question is: who does it best? While many laboratories have metabolite profiling or analytical chemistry capabilities, comprehensive metabolomics technologies are extremely rare.
Accurate, unbiased metabolite identification across the entire metabolome introduces signal-to-noise challenges that very few labs are equipped to handle. Also, translating massive quantities of data into actionable information is slow, if not impossible, for most because proper interpretation takes two things that are in short supply: experience and a comprehensive database.
Using our robust platform and visualization tools, our experts are uniquely able to tell you more about your molecule and develop assay panels to help you zero in on the results you need.
Coverage
Ability to interrogate thousands of metabolites across diverse biochemical space, revealing new insights and opportunities
Comparability
Ability to integrate the data from different studies into the same dataset, in different geographies, among different patients over time
Competency
Ability to inform on proper study design, generate high‐quality data, derive biological insights, and make actionable recommendations
Capacity
Ability to process hundreds of thousands of samples quickly and cost‐efficiently to service rapidly growing demand
