Overview
Our lab can provide analysis of fatty acids for a variety of sample types such as:
- animal tissues
- zooplankton
- phytoplankton
The instrumentation in our laboratory consists of a Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC - FID) for quantification of total and polar fatty acid analysis (37 individual fatty acids).
Internal Standards and Calibration (QUALITY CONTROL)
Our laboratory runs up to 4 standards with each run on the GC/FID. These standards are produced in the laboratory. As well, for every 22 samples we extract we run a minimum of one blank and one herring gull egg homogenate that has been quantified in inter-laboratory comparisons. During extractions, each sample is spike with a 5α-cholestane standard to check for recovery of fatty acids. We also participate in annual inter-laboratory comparisons using omega-3 fatty acid commercially purchased samples, which includes comparisons with governmental laboratories.
Preparation of Solid Samples for Fatty Acid Analysis
Sample preparation will depend on the type of sample that you wish to analyze. We have in house capabilities for all sample preparation techniques described below.
- FREEZE SAMPLES AT – 80°C. Fatty acids are volatile compounds that quickly degrade over time. If samples have not been frozen at very low temperatures there is a good chance that some of the fatty acids have degraded and that we will not obtain an accurate fatty acid signature for your sample.
- Solid samples are dried. Because samples must also be frozen, this means that samples can only be freeze dried. Our laboratory has a ThermoSavant ModulyoD freeze dryer with 16 port-manifold.
- Samples are ground. Samples must remain frozen during the grinding process, and therefore using a ball mill system is inadequate. Our laboratory’s protocol is to manually grind samples using a mortar and pestle and liquid nitrogen, to ensure samples remain cold throughout the grinding process.
- Samples are extracted. The extraction protocol our laboratory follows is a 2-day process allowing for up to 22 samples to be extracted concurrently. For more information on extraction methods please contact our laboratory.
When sending samples that have not been processed please consider the following:
- Send frozen samples either on dry ice or in a dry shipper using an expedited carrier. Please let us know when you are sending samples, and make sure you have the way-bill number so that you can track your shipments progress and learn of any problems with shipping as they occur. If you chose to send a dry shipper, we can return it to you.
- Send us more sample than we require. The amount of tissue we require will depend on the tissue type. For many tissues we require up to 30mg of tissue. However, we are only human and there is a possibility errors may occur while processing your sample. As well external factors, such as shipping errors or instrumentation problems, may arise. Therefore it is to your benefit to collect and send more sample than we need.
- Keep labels simple and sample organized. If possible, keep sample names short and sweet! Samples labels are re-recorded throughout processing and analysis, by using short, simple and unique names for each sample, it helps ensure that sample names are recorded properly, and that if an error does occur it can be traced quickly. Additionally, including or emailing spreadsheets of all samples which are sent helps us to keep the laboratory organized. When possible, organizing your samples in boxes or plastic bags also helps us to process samples more quickly.
See the PRICE LIST for additional information on services. Contact the laboratory manager for more information.