From sample preparation to validated report — a look inside how we measure fatty acids with precision, consistency, and rigorous quality control.
Every result we report passes through a rigorous three-phase diagnostic process — from the moment your sample arrives to the final validated report.
We measure fatty acids in red blood cell (erythrocyte) membranes — not plasma or serum. RBC membranes reflect your average fatty acid intake over the previous 90–120 days, much like HbA1c reflects blood glucose over time.
Reflects 90–120 days of dietary intake, not a single meal. Gives a stable, meaningful clinical picture.
RBC membrane composition is tightly regulated. Repeat measurements are consistent, making trends reliable.
Membrane fatty acids correlate strongly with levels in heart, brain, and other tissues — clinically relevant markers.
Whether you collect via venous draw or finger-prick, our validated methods deliver equivalent results.
| Venous blood (EDTA) | Finger-prick (DBS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Phlebotomist draws into EDTA tube | Self-collect finger-prick onto card |
| Precision | Gold standard | Equivalent after correction |
| Fasting | Not required | 10+ hours recommended — minimises plasma fatty acid interference from recent meals |
| Transport | Ambient temperature, stable up to 7 days (14 days refrigerated) | Room temperature post, stable 4+ weeks |
| Setting | Clinical / pathology | Home, clinic, field, remote |
Both sample types converge into an identical extraction process once prepared.
Extracted fatty acids are analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection — the reference method for fatty acid quantification worldwide.
Same GC model, column specifications (length, diameter, stationary phase), and detector configuration across all instruments.
Constant flow rates of hydrogen, synthetic air, and nitrogen ensure reproducible retention times for every analyte.
Precise heating and cooling ramps separate fatty acids by chain length and saturation for accurate identification.
No result leaves the laboratory without passing through a multi-stage validation pipeline.
Every chromatogram and negative control is visually inspected for anomalies — split peaks, missing peaks, ghost peaks, or injection issues.
Software automatically verifies that all measured fatty acids fall within established biological limits, flagging any suspicious or abnormal patterns.
Flagged results undergo manual review by the lab director. Only after expert approval is a report issued — otherwise the sample is re-run.
If any stage fails validation, the sample is repeated from scratch. We never release a result we can’t stand behind.
Behind every report is a quality system designed to catch errors before they reach you. These are the safeguards built into every batch we run.
Known-value reference samples are processed alongside patient samples in every analytical run, confirming the system is performing within specification.
Every procedure follows a validated standard operating protocol. Methods are version-controlled and reviewed regularly to ensure consistency.
Scheduled calibration and preventive maintenance of all analytical instruments, with documented service records and performance verification.
Every sample is tracked from receipt to report — reagent lot numbers, instrument logs, analyst identity, and processing timestamps are all recorded.
Reagents, columns, and consumables are verified against acceptance criteria before use. Out-of-spec materials are rejected and documented.
Any unexpected result or process deviation triggers a formal investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective action before work continues.
Partner with Fatty Acid Labs for validated, scalable Omega-3 and fatty acid testing. Wholesale pricing, branded kits, and full laboratory support.