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Software subscriptions

Can I continue to purchase biocrates kits with MetIDQ?

All kits (except MxP® Quant 500 XL) purchased by April 30, 2023, can be used with MetIDQ. After April 30, 2023, MetIDQ will be discontinued, but support will continue until April 30, 2024. All biocrates kits purchased after April 30, 2023 will require a WebIDQ subscription. Please note that the new MxP® Quant 500 XL kit is not compatible with MetIDQ and requires WebIDQ.

Can I use MetIDQ and WebIDQ in parallel?

No, MetIDQ and WebIDQ cannot be used in parallel. We strongly recommend fully migrating your MetIDQ data to WebIDQ before you start using WebIDQ. During the migration process, the WebIDQ database will be overwritten by the MetIDQ database.

Can I have multiple users from my organization in WebIDQ?

WebIDQ is a multi user application. The total amount of users who can access the software concurrently depends on the subscription plan. Please lookup the details on the product detail pages.

What are the system requirements for WebIDQ?

WebIDQ Requirements | cloud and on-premises​

Component Requirement
Web browser Edge or Chrome (latest version)
Memory a minimum of 8 GB RAM
Processor a minimum of 6 cores (Intel i7 10th generation, AMD 5000 series or comparable)
Network stable broadband internet connection required

Grant outbound access to

  • *.biocrates.com on port 443
  • On-premises subscription: WebIDQ on-premises server on port 9090 (or 443 if you are using a reverse proxy)


WebIDQ server requirements | on-premises only​

Hardware where the database and WebIDQ installation are hosted.

Component Requirement
OS Windows 10 or later, 64-bit architecture
Memory a minimum of 16 GB RAM
Processor a minimum of 8 cores (vCPU, Intel i7 10th generation, AMD 5000 series or comparable)
Software Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 or later
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (32 & 64 bit each): 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013
Database options

A) PostgreSQL version 12 or later (recommended). No updates and support provided by biocrates.

B) Oracle® 19c, 21c or later

  • Option 1 (recommended): Full commercial version, updates and support provided by Oracle®. Specialist required.
  • Option 2: Oracle Database Express Edition (Oracle XE). Free of charge. 12 GB maximum amount of user data. No updates and support provided by Oracle® or biocrates. Computer with up to 32 GB RAM maximum.
Network stable broadband internet connection required

Grant outbound access to

  • *.biocrates.com on Port 443
  • Database (if hosted on different server)

Grant inbound access to

  • WebIDQ on-premises server on port 9090 or
  • For a secured internal access to WebIDQ on-premises server on port 443, please ask your IT department to set up a reverse proxy on your WebIDQ on-premises server and contact us for updating the WebIDQ settings.

Can I migrate my MetIDQ database to WebIDQ?

Yes, WebIDQ includes a migration wizard and online instructions that help to easily move MetIDQ data to WebIDQ. Our customer support team will be there for you should you need any assistance.

I would like to choose the cloud version, but my IT administrator does not like it, or our internal rules do not permit cloud versions

There is a general market transition from local to cloud-based applications. Many leading software providers have shifted their services to the cloud (e.g. Microsoft, Oracle, Google) as benefits exceed the disadvantages. In case your institutional restrictions apply, you may use the on-premises subscription. You can always migrate from on-premises to cloud-based subscription any time. Many organizations tend to change positions over time and may allow exception. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Is my data in the cloud safe

biocrates is committed to protecting and honoring your privacy rights. We fully comply with the GDPR regulations. Each organization gets their own secure and unique database instance assigned for their data. It is not possible to access other organization’s data. All client-to-service communication is encrypted (SSL protection) and access within the organization is managed by user role management through the organizations’ administrators.

What software is required to run the kits and how is the data processing handled?

WebIDQ contains tools for data normalization and analysis as well as MetaboINDICATOR.
Additionally, biocrates offers a statistical analysis service and interpretation package performed by our in-house experts.

What data is stored in WebIDQ cloud and for how long?

  1. Uploaded raw data files (e.g. ".wiff" files) are converted to mzML format and these are stored in the WebIDQ database.
    Please note: The original files are not stored in WebIDQ. Please consider an appropriate backup!
  2. The WebIDQ database, including the mzML files, is regularly backed up by biocrates.Following retention policy is applied: 
    Month - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
    frequency of backup daily every other day weekly weekly weekly biweekly biweekly biweekly monthly monthly monthly monthly
  3. Four months after the term for WebIDQ Cloud has ended the Client Data in the storage will be deleted.

  4. After the term for WebIDQ on-premises has ended access will be restricted, but no data will be deleted.

What happens to my data if I don’t renew my subscription?

This depends on the type of subscription.

WebIDQ cloud subscription: In case of subscription expiration, WebIDQ changes to a read-only mode. Read-only access to WebIDQ lasts for 30 days during which a subscription can be renewed, and results can and should be easily downloaded to your local computer or network. After the read-only period, the account is marked for deletion. Data will be deleted once a quarter.

On-premises subscription: After the expiration of the subscription, WebIDQ changes to a read-only mode. Read-only access to WebIDQ lasts for 30 days during which results can and should be easily downloaded to your local computer. Data retention depends on the on-premises server. We will not delete any data.

Where is the data residence of biocrates cloud applications and which data protection and security regulations/certificates apply ?

All data of biocrates cloud applications, i.e. biocrates webshop, My biocrates, WebIDQ cloud and QMDB, are stored in European data centers. We are fully GDPR compliant. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions and Provacy Policy for details.

 

Products

What software is required to use biocrates kits?

In addition to your mass spectrometer operating software (e.g. Analyst, MassHunter, MassLynx, Xcalibur), you need the WebIDQ workflow management software, which is available as a cloud or on-premises subscription separate from the kits: https://shop.biocrates.com/Software/

What is the expected lifespan of the biocrates column?

The lifespan of the column depends heavily on the number and type of samples being run, as well as the storage conditions between plates (column should be stored in pure LC-MS grade acetonitrile). Running plasma samples, the column system can normally be used for 15-20 kits (1200-1600 samples, MxP® Quant 500). Dirtier sample matrices (e.g. urine or fecal samples) may reduce the lifespan. Usually a minimum of 10 kits (800 samples, MxP® Quant 500) can be run per column irrespective of sample type. Regardless of the number of runs, chromatography should always be evaluated immediately after every LC run. As the column ages, the early eluting peaks will begin to broaden and show peak fronting, shoulder peaks, or in worse cases double peaks. Retention times of the early eluting compounds may also begin shifting earlier. Late eluting peaks are not as affected by column age. Some of these issues may also be a result of a leak somewhere in the system. Loosen and retighten all fittings and perform test injections before replacing the column.

If the peaks becoming jagged, it may be a result of instability in the electrospray (ESI electrode, gas flow, contamination, etc.) rather than chromatography related.

Which consumables and laboratory equipment will I need to run my biocrates kit successfully?

Please download the respective kit requirements document for the product you want to buy. The full mass spectrometry system compatibility list can be found here.

MxP® Quant500 XL 

MxP® Quant500  

AbsoluteIDQ® p400 HR kit

AbsoluteIDQ® p180 kit

AbsoluteIDQ® Bile Acids kit

AbsoluteIDQ® Stero17 kit

MxP®Quant HR Xpress kit

What sample volumes are required?

The Stero17 kit requires 250-500 µL of plasma or serum, depending on the used mass spectrometer (whereas only serum has been validated for that kit). All other kits require 10 µL of plasma or serum. For other matrices or further details, please contact biocrates support.

What is the runtime per kit and sample?

Run time per sample / min

 

Quant 500

p180

p400 HR

Quant HR Xpress

Bile Acids

Stero17

UHPLC

20

11

21

10.5

5.5

10.5

HPLC

29.5

14

N/A

N/A

12

22


Run time per kit / h

 

Quant 500

p180

p400 HR

Quant HR Xpress

Bile Acids

Stero17

UHPLC

32

17

34

17

9

17

HPLC

48.5

22.5

N/A

N/A

20

36

 

! Average times are shown. They may be different for the used LC-MS platform.

How long will my kits remain stable when stored?

Expiration date for Quant 500 and Quant 500 XL kits:

  • Storage at -20 °C: 3 months after shipping date
  • Storage at -80 °C: 12 months after shipping date

Expiration date for p180, p400 HR, Quant HR Xpress and Bile Acids kits:

  • Storage at -20 °C: 6 months after shipping date
  • Storage at -80 °C: 12 months after shipping date

Expiration date for Stero 17 kit:

  • Storage at -20 °C: 3 months after shipping date
  • Storage at -80 °C: 3 months after shipping date

After preparation:
Plates should be run immediately after preparation for best results. If unforeseen complications arise (e.g. instrumental issues) that prevent the plate form being run immediately:
    • Plate can be run within 48h: Store plates at 4°C
    • Plate cannot be run within 48h: Contact biocrates support!

What kinds of samples can be used with the kits?

biocrates kits have been specifically validated for use with plasma and serum. However, a wide variety of other sample matrices can be analyzed using the kits. Essentially any samples with endogenous metabolites can be analyzed with the correct preparation.
For most kits, protocols for the following matrices are available:

  • Tissue
  • Urine
  • Fecal
  • Cell culture
  • Dried blood spots
  • Cerebrospinal fluid

If you are interested in other matrices, please contact biocrates support!

Does the whole kit plate need to be prepared at once?

A kit must be prepared all at once, as it is sealed under nitrogen to prevent degradation. Kits are for single use only.

What kinds of sample matrices can be measured with the kits?

biocrates kits have been specifically validated for use with plasma and serum. Feasibility tests have been carried out with other sample matrices and protocols are available (see below). Basically, any samples containing endogenous metabolites can be analyzed with the correct preparation. However, for any samples other than plasma or serum, we always recommend performing pilot tests with representative samples before starting a larger study. The results may depend on the nature and on the quality of the samples.

For most kits, protocols for the following matrices are available:
- Tissues
- Urine
- Cells
- Dried blood spots (DBS)
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Why are only selected mass spectrometry (MS) systems supported?

Kits were validated and tested on specific MS instruments so that we can provide all optimized methods to our users and guarantee the high level of performance you can expect.

What kinds of plasma anticoagulants are compatible with biocrates kits?

biocrates kits were validated with EDTA and heparin plasma only. Citrate plasma may also be used, but performance may be reduced. The most important aspect is to ensure that all plasma samples within one study are collected in the same way and using the same anticoagulant. For a summary of various anticoagulants and their effect on metabolomics samples, please refer to this peer-reviewed study.

Will my liquid chromatography (LC) pump and autosampler systems work with the kits?

  • Any UHPLC or HPLC system will work, as long as the minimum specifications of the kit requirements are met
  • Autosampler: Any model works that supports 96 well plates, cooling, and a column oven
  • An experienced instrument operator is required to make sure that configurations and communications work between LC and MS systems.

What other laboratory equipment and chemicals are required to run the kits that is not provided by biocrates?

While the biocrates kits come with all the standards and quality controls necessary, some other additional solvents and lab equipment are required to successfully prepare and run a plate. Please contact biocrates support for a detailed list of requirements and recommendations.

My laboratory does not have access to a compatible LC-MS system. Are there any other ways to obtain targeted metabolomics results?

You can run the kits in our certified partner laboratories worldwide. Moreover, we offer sample analysis and statistical analysis up to data interpretation through our metabolic phenotyping services, . Please contact us for more information: https://shop.biocrates.com/Services/.

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