Sampling, storing and processing of biological samples

Moderator: Lorraine BRENNAN (UCD, Dublin)

Background:

In nutritional metabolomics one often has to deal with large variability in the samples compared to the changes of interest induced by the nutritional intervention. It is very important to limit variability induced by inappropriate sampling and storing of the samples.

Goal:

Share experiences with sampling in (nutritional) metabolomics studies. Establish advantages and disadvantages of the used methods.

Approach:

Discussion of at least the following topics:

Sampling

• Are 24 h urine samples appropriate for metabolomic studies?
• Bacterial contamination, addition and effects of preservatives on metabolic profiles.
• Collection of urine: the need to chill on collection and/or add a preservative.
• In the case of human subjects which is more appropriate: first void or second void samples.
• Is serum or plasma more appropriate to use?
• Which type of plasma is best for metabolomic studies?
• Extraction protocols for faecal water.

Storing and processing

• The effects of freeze thaw cycles on urinary metabolites.
• Effects of storage at room temperature, 4 °C, -20 °C and -80 °C
• Processing: dilution of samples, protein precipitation steps.

Result:

Proposal for best practice for nutritional metabolomics for sampling and storage of urine and plasma samples which is applicable in most studies.

 Recent publications:
We strongly encourage all the participants of this session to have a look at the selection of recent publications prepared by the Moderators and Organizing Committee. Each participant of this session should have critical ideas on the present state of the art, and will actively contribute to the elaboratation of recommendations when taking part to this session.

The pdf files for the session sampling strategies can be found at:
pdf files_sampling, storing and processing of biological samples

Slides shown during this session can be found in the attachments.

	Sampling Session Fave.pdf Sampling_Fave	104 KB
	Sampling Introduction Brennan.pdf Introduction_sampling session	427 KB
	Sampling Session Jacobs.pdf Sampling_Jacobs	2158 KB
	Sampling Session Theodoridis.pdf Sampling_Theodoridis	451 KB