• UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Metabolomics Sample Submission

Sample Submission Guidelines

When collecting and preparing samples for submission, please carefully follow the guidelines below:

  1. Adhere strictly to all sample collection, preparation, and submission requirements.
  2. Samples that do not meet these requirements will not be analyzed. If you are interested in Option A assays, please contact us for protocol-specific instructions.
  3. We accept BSL-1 and BSL-2 samples only. To ensure compliance and safety, you must provide complete and accurate information about your samples and follow all applicable federal and state regulations governing the transport of biological materials.
  4. The completed Sample List must be emailed to metabolomics@illinois.edu before samples are brought to or shipped to the facility.
  5. For the protection of our staff and instrumentation and to ensure the highest quality results, we can only analyze samples that are free of hazardous, infectious, corrosive, or otherwise potentially damaging materials.

Required Submission Steps:

  1. Complete the online Sample Submission Form.
  2. Download and complete the Sample List template.
  3. Email the completed Sample List to metabolomics@illinois.edu.
  4. Await confirmation from our staff regarding sample acceptance and analytical services.
  5. Deliver or ship your samples according to the provided instructions.

   1.  Detergents (Tween-20, Triton X-100, PEG, Brij-35, or other similar derivatives)
   2.  Radioactivity
   3.  Intact agents of human disease

  1. Do not ship samples until we have agreed to accept them
  2. Each sample will be contained in a 1.2 – 2 mL tube (Note: Tissue samples must be in a screw-top tube. BSL-2 samples must be in a screw-top tube with an o-ring). If shipping from off-campus, screw-top tubes must be used for plasma, serum, urine, feces. We recommend these 2 mL microcentrifuge tubes or reinforced 2 mL bead mill tubes. Based on our instructions for volume/weight required, document the volume/weight of the material contained in the tube (amount needed varies based on matrix and metabolites to be analyzed) and enter in our sample list provided. Samples stored in any other container such as zip-lock bags, 96 well plates, or large volume tubes will not be analyzed. 
  3. Samples must be provided in a cryobox such as CryoFile (catalog# 13-709-106) or similar.
  4. Label sample tubes clearly on the side with either printed labels or legible handwriting with a permanent, non-smudging marker (i.e. Sharpie). Only include information from column A and B from the Sample List that is provided to you when you complete the online Sample Submission Form. Please don’t use parafilm. Additional sample details (not included on the sample tube) can also be provided in the Sample List file.
  5. In addition to the information listed on the Sample List tab, indicate the location of each of the samples in the cryobox you will be providing. We will check your shipment immediately upon arrival to confirm all samples listed are present. Please also mark the cryobox with your lab name, sample type, and if it is BSL-2. BSL-2 samples transported on campus must follow DRS guidelines for transport (Click here for guidelines)
  6. If you are an on-campus collaborator, please contact us to coordinate delivery in-person. If you are an off-campus collaborator, place the cryobox containing the samples in an insulated foam container and pack the foam container with dry ice (block ice is preferred). To keep the foam container closed, wrap tape around the foam container (lid and box). Place the insulated foam container in a cardboard box for shipment. Only ship on a Monday or Tuesday and use overnight delivery. 
  7. Shipping address for samples:
    Metabolomics Core Facility
    264 Burrill Hall, MC-120
    407 S. Goodwin Ave.
    Urbana, IL 61801

Plasma

  1. Collect whole blood in plasma separation tubes containing EDTA (K2, K3, or Na) as anticoagulant. Separate plasma fraction according to the tube manufacturer or internal protocol.
  2. Based on our instructions for volume required, aliquot plasma into 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes, document volume, place tubes in a cryobox, and freeze immediately at -80°C.

Serum

  1. Collect whole blood in serum separation tubes. Separate serum fraction according to the tube manufacturer or internal protocol.
  2. Based on our instructions for volume required, aliquot serum into 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes, document volume, place tubes in a cryobox, and freeze immediately at -80°C.

Urine

  1. 24-hour whole urine collections kept at 4°C throughout the collection period are highly recommended, especially for steroid measurements.
  2. If 24-hour collections are not practical or indicated, first-catch urine is preferred.
  3. Based on our instructions for volume required, aliquot urine into 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes and document the volume used. Thoroughly mix all time-point collections before aliquoting.
  4. If possible, measure osmolality/specific gravity or creatinine levels so this information can be used to normalize metabolite concentrations during data processing.
  5. Store tubes in a cryobox at -80°C.

Saliva

  1. Collect saliva samples in a non-stimulated fashion. Dietary restrictions are not necessary. Food intake should be documented.
  2. Research subjects should rinse their mouths vigorously three times with at least 30 mL of water before saliva collection, without brushing their teeth or using mouthwash.
  3. Five minutes after the water rinse, collect about 3 mL of saliva in a clean plastic container by expectoration.
  4. Based on our instructions for volume required, aliquot saliva into 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes, document the volume used, and freeze as soon as possible. Store in a cryobox at -80°C.
  5. If saliva collection tubes contain preservative, please send an unused tube so we can determine any additive/preservative interaction with the analysis.

Biological Tissues

  1. Based on our instructions for weight required, aliquot tissue into 1.2–2 mL screw-top tubes and document the specific weight for each sample in the sample list. Freeze samples immediately and store in a cryobox at -80°C. When preparing aliquots from frozen sources, work on dry ice and use pre-chilled materials.
  2. Note: For tissues known to have significant heterogeneity, it is preferable to homogenize a large portion before providing a smaller amount to us.

Fecal/Large Intestinal Content

  1. Based on our instructions for weight required (typically 50–100 mg maximum), weigh fecal, cecal, or chyme samples and store them in 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes. Document the specific weight for each sample, include the weight information in the sample list, and place the tubes in a cryobox at -80°C. When preparing aliquots from frozen sources, work on dry ice and use pre-chilled materials.
  2. Important notes: It is recommended to normalize metabolite values to fecal moisture content. We recommend that your lab use a separate aliquot from the same sample to calculate moisture content. Our lab will not calculate moisture content. It is also recommended that larger samples be homogenized before weighing out the aliquot sent to us so the submitted sample is more representative.

Cell Pellets and Cell Culture Media

  1. Please contact us to ask how to prepare your cell pellet and/or cell culture media samples for the analysis you desire.
  2. We will provide specific instructions depending on which metabolite(s) you wish to target, including which materials to use and step-by-step protocols to execute.

Plant Material

  1. Based on our instructions for weight required, weigh and aliquot plant material into 1.2–2 mL screw-top storage tubes and document the specific weight for each sample. When preparing aliquots from frozen sources, work on dry ice and use pre-chilled materials. Freeze samples immediately and store in a cryobox at -80°C.
  2. Note: For tissues known to have significant heterogeneity, it is preferable to homogenize a large portion before providing a smaller amount to us.