Close the left navigation

About

The NIH Metabolomics Consortium (NIH-MC) is a shared research resource that facilitates metabolomics analysis (and related small molecule research) for investigators at all Institutes and Centers across the NIH Intramural Research Program. The NIH-MC provides NIH IRP researchers with a centralized process (see request form below) to match needs with expertise and resources. The participating laboratories at NIEHS, NIA, and NIAID share information, methods, and analysis expertise; NIH-MC is administered at NIEHS. The NIH-MC was established in 2023 and continues to grow in the offerings provided, expertise, and participatory labs. Please review the information below for our offerings, participatory laboratories (NIEHS, NIAID, and NIA) and scientists.

Offerings

Metabolomics measures the small molecules – endogenous and exogenous – that underpin biological changes in response to diet, behavior, exposure, disease, and more.

Currently, the NIH-MC offers two general types of metabolomics approaches – targeted and untargeted – covering different aspects of metabolism and to varying degrees of analytical measurement. Each offering has unique requirements, deliverables, and costs – please review the information for each offering carefully.

The specific metabolomics assays offered, by site, are:

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID)

  • Bile Acids – Quantification of primary and secondary bile acids, including conjugated and free forms.
  • Short Chain Fatty Acids – Quantification of short-chain fatty acids (consult prior to sample collection).
  • Targeted Lipidomics – Relative quantitation of a broad panel of >1700 individual glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and sterol lipids.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

  • Untargeted Metabolomics – Measurement of the relative changes of all detectable chemicals/metabolites in a specimen as part of a global metabolic profile.

Costs

  • Cost varies across assays but is highly competitive with academic laboratories and commercial services. For example, the untargeted metabolomics assay from NIEHS costs $135 per sample. Cost will be discussed and agreed upon prior to starting the experiment.
  • Different NIH Institutes/Centers handle Investigator costs for SRS-supported core facilities using different mechanisms, so we recommend that you inquire with your Lab/Branch Chief or Scientific Director.

Typical Order of Operations

  1. Submit a request form (information below) or email general inquiry.
    • A form is required prior to consideration.
  2. The NIH-MC team will review the request and discuss feasibility.
  3. The NIH-MC team will contact the requester and PI to determine all further steps which nearly always include a consultation via video conference, guidance on sample handling and/or preparation, etc.
    • Note: The participating laboratory may determine after consultation that they cannot provide the requested analysis. The NIH-MC will assist in finding alternative options.

Questions

  • Questions about the operation or general inquiry should be routed to the NIH-MC email.
  • Technical questions about specific offerings should be routed to the contact information listed at the bottom of each offerings page.