Working With Metabolon
Working With Us
Metabolon has helped thousands of investigators publish high-impact research and achieve clinical and commercial success with our best-in-class, end-to-end metabolomics services. We work with care to provide the most precision, accuracy, and care to provide the most comprehensive actionable data insights possible from your samples. Use this page to explore each step of our service and how we support you in discovering novel insights.
Step 1: Study Design
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)
Step 2: Sample Collection
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
Step 3: Data Generation and Curation
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
Step 4: Client Deliverables
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
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about Metabolon’s services, technology, and how we support your research success.
How do you support your clients?
Metabolon supports clients at every stage of their project, whether they are new to metabolomics or experienced researchers. We provide letters of support for funding applications, consult on study design to maximize study power, and streamline sample handling and preparation logistics. After sharing data, we offer interpretation services and bioinformatics tools to help uncover insights quickly. We also assist with merging and aliquoting samples for multi-study research and have co-authored papers to enhance the impact of client outcomes. Our PhD study directors are committed to helping you achieve your research objectives efficiently and effectively.
Do you have expertise in my research area?
We likely have expertise in your research area. Metabolon has extensive experience across many applications of metabolomics, conducting over 15,000 client projects, analyzing more than 100 different matrices, and uncovering new insights for more than 500 distinct diseases. Metabolon offers the broadest view of the metabolome, and or labs are ISO 9001:2015 and CLIA certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. Our metabolomics experts will support you in building your successful metabolomics study by ensuring your study is adequately powered, properly controlled, and aligned with your research objectives.
How do you ensure sample and prep standards?
Sample integrity is critical for generating high quality data, and we support our clients to achieve the highest possible sample quality at every step of a sample's journey. Metabolon provides resources to support sample collection, sample storage, sample shipment, sample handling, and sample preparation, providing end-to-end support for your project. The Metabolon Sample Handling Kit streamlines sample management, and once samples arrive with us, they are logged into our proprietary Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) system for quality tracking.
All samples are stored in monitored, temperature-controlled environments and undergo processing in quality-controlled laboratories certified under ISO 9001:2015, CLIA, and CAP standards.
Are your results reliable?
We have developed the largest commercially available level 1 library, curated over two decades and continuously updated with new metabolites as they are discovered and identified. This ensures reproducibility and consistency across studies.
What method do you use to study metabolites?
Metabolon has developed several proprietary methods for our untargeted and targeted methods for accurately identifying and quantifying metabolites in biological samples. Powered by the most extensive commercial metabolite reference library and fully integrated with our bioinformatics platform, we are confident in providing both the broadest coverage of annotated metabolites for our untargeted methods.
How do you rise above the noise?
To "rise above the noise" in metabolomics, we prioritize high data quality through robust quality control strategies that correct for background noise, detect signal drifts, and handle missing data. Accurate annotation of metabolites using standardized protocols and our internal level 1 library and spectral databases ensures the biological relevance and reliability of the data. By combining these elements, we deliver precise and meaningful outcomes that set us apart in the industry.
What are your quality standards?
Metabolon adheres to rigorous U.S. federal and international quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015, CAP, CLIA, and GCP/GCLP for targeted metabolomics studies that require a higher level of compliance, to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service. Our robust Quality Management System (QMS) emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and compliance throughout every stage of your study
For GCP/GCLP targeted metabolomics studies, we follow the ICH M10 guideline for bioanalytical method validation to support regulatory submissions. Metabolon has designed comprehensive programs to comply with the regulatory mandates of handling personal data - HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and more.
To learn more, visit our Quality Assurance page, here.
The Leading Untargeted Metabolomics Solution
Gain access to unrivaled data insights from our untargeted metabolomics service, leveraging the largest level 1 annotated library of metabolites for commercial use. Explore over 70 biochemical pathways and detect up to 5,400 metabolites in a single biological sample.
Featured Resources
eBrochure: Global Discovery Panel
Guide to Successful Metabolomics Study Design
Why Metabolomics: Your Guide to Metabolomics
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