Description:

Exchange of 100 ml of serum from healthy human volunteers.

We chose to purchase serum, in order to avoid use of anti-coagulants, some of which may interfere with methods we are using. 20 aliquots of serum from the same pool were ordered and can be distributed shortly. The participants are expected to aliquot the 100 ml further as they see fit (for example into 1 or 0.5 ml aliquots, and use each aliquot for a study or a batch such that repeated freeze and thaw cycles are avoided).

Goals:

Common quality control sample for metabolomics analysis

Many of us use quality control steps and samples in our analyses, but this procedure might help others to setup quality control measures. Suggestions for use are:

Include this sample at least 3x in each batch if the batch size allows it. For methods where the batch size is limited, include this sample at least once. Later this year a standard mix composed of compounds normally present in human plasma and human urine will be distributed to interested participants for additional quality control measures

Possibility to merge data for the same metabolites by using this sample as one point calibration

If more participants use this sample have overlaps in metabolites they measure (known compounds), it is possible to use a common sample as 1-point calibration to quantitatively align (and if needed merge) metabolomics data sets.

Acquire as much qualitative and quantitative data about this sample as possible

Different participants have different methods. If we all analyse this sample and share both the qualitative and the quantitative information (see below) this will help us all to:

- Identify extra peaks in our own data

- Check our own quantitative results against quantitative results of others

- In the future exchange data, spectra

For information contact Ivana Bobeldijk