FAQ
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.
When will you ship the product?
You will receive confirmation on the next working day after placing your order. Generally, your package will leave our production site at Innsbruck, Austria within two working days. The transit time depends on your location and the duration of customs clearance.
As a reference, we estimate that you can expect delivery within three days within the European Union, and within five to 14 days in Asia, Americas and Middle East. But please note that your shipping time might vary, depending on individual circumstances.
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.
How many times can I use my column? Is the column included in the kit?
One column is included in the starter package. The column should be changed after 1500–2000 injections, depending on the biological matrix, nature and quality of the samples. You can purchase new columns in the biocrates webshop.
Will my liquid chromatography (LC) pump and autosampler systems work with the kits?
- Any standard flow UHPLC or HPLC system will work. NanoLC and microLC are not supported.
- Any autosampler model works, as long as it supports 96 well plates and temperature control (10 °C).
- You’ll need an experienced instrument operator to make sure that configurations and communications work between LC and mass spectrometry (MS) systems.
How long will my kits remain stable when stored?
Expiration date for Quant 500 and Quant 500 XL kits:
- 3 months after shipping date when stored at -20 °C
- 12 months after shipping date when stored at -80 °C
Expiration date for p180, p400 HR, Quant HR Xpress and Bile Acids kits:
- 6 months after shipping date when stored at -20 °C
- 12 months after shipping date when stored at -80 °C
Expiration date for Stero 17 kit:
- 3 months after shipping date when stored at -20 °C
- 3 months after shipping date when stored at -80 °C
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)
What software do I need to use with biocrates kits?
In addition to your MS operating software, 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/
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/.
What sample volumes are required?
The Stero17 kit requires 250-500 µL of serum, depending on the mass spectrometer. The Quant 500 XL kit requires 20 µL of plasma or serum, all other kits 10 µL. For other matrices or further details, please contact biocrates support.