Working With Us

Metabolon ensures the success of your research by integrating clear objectives, robust study design, and adequate study power into every project. From the initial consultation, our experts collaborate with you to craft a metabolomic study that addresses your research questions effectively and efficiently. We optimize study design elements — such as sample types, time points, doses, and controls — to minimize variation and uncover biologically significant results. With over 10,000 completed projects, our extensive experience ensures your study is properly powered and equipped to overcome variability, maximizing its potential for discovery.

Available Resources:
Guide to Designing a Successful Study (PDF)
Study Design Best Practices (PDF)

Metabolon ensures optimal sample integrity and accuracy with our proven collection and handling methods, supported by the complimentary Metabolon Study Success Sample Handling Kit. Designed with over 25 years of expertise, this kit streamlines sample collection, labeling, and shipping with barcoded tubes, a handheld barcode scanner, and clear guidelines for error-free processing. From biofluids to solid samples, our standardized methods ensure compatibility with our advanced analysis pipelines. Upon arrival, samples are logged into our customized laboratory information management system, stored at -80°C under strict quality controls, and processed in ISO 9001 and CLIA-certified labs for reliable, high-quality results.

Available Resources:
Sample Handling Kit Instructions [PDF]
Request a Demo Sample Handling Kit

When your samples arrive at our laboratories, they are prepared for data generation and curation using advanced technologies and industry-leading processes.

Metabolon’s platform utilizes ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem accurate mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) combined with the world’s largest proprietary biochemical reference library, containing over 5,400 compounds, spanning 70+ metabolic pathways. The power of our platform ensures reliable, high-quality data that uncovers insights that may not be possible with other methods.

Our proprietary software analyzes all raw data generated by our platform, utilizing A.I. to remove noise, perform peak integration and retention time alignment to deliver high-quality features.

Then, our chemocentric approach rapidly identifies metabolites by querying our reference library comprised of spectra from authentic chemical standards ensuring higher statistical power for your study. Redundant features are removed, and identified metabolites are added to the client deliverables for further statistical analyses. Both raw and curated data is available for client use.

All processes are standardized and adhere to Metabolon’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Our experienced lab teams routinely perform quality control checks, from data acquisition to inter-data analysis and reagent preparation.

Additionally, Metabolon’s laboratories are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified, accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for diagnostic testing on human specimens, and hold a New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory permit for specific clinical metabolomics testing.

Available Resources:
View past projects - Our publications library

After generating your data, we provide several deliverables to support your investigation.

All clients receive a Client Data Table (CDT) with curated data matched to our annotated reference library, pathway analyses, and statistical insights. Clients also have the option to receive raw spectral data in connection with select services.

Clients using Metabolon’s Global Discovery Panel also gain access to your data within Metabolon's Integrated Bioinformatics Platform, which includes key analyses such as PCA, PLS-DA, volcano plots, clustering analyses and pathway analyses, designed to simplify analysis, biomarker identification, and the discovery of novel insights.

For additional support, our PhD-level study directors offer optional interpretation services. These include a detailed written report with statistical analyses, actionable insights, conclusions, and recommended next steps for publishing your research. Live consultations with study directors are also available to address questions and help inform your next research phase.

Available Resources:
Video - Client Data Table
Global Discovery Panel Brochure
Bioinformatics Platform Brochure