Untargeted Metabolomics
Precision Metabolomics Services
While targeted panels deliver precise quantification of defined metabolites, biological systems are far more complex than any fixed list. Untargeted screening extends each analysis by capturing additional metabolites present in the sample, even if no internal standards are available. These compounds are measured as relative abundances across samples, and many can be annotated with high confidence to known metabolites.
Amino acids, acylcarnitines, and organic acids are central intermediates of energy metabolism, protein turnover, and cellular regulation. Their concentrations reflect mitochondrial function, nutrient utilization, and the dynamic balance between anabolic and catabolic pathways.
This layer of analysis is especially valuable for detecting unexpected metabolic changes, discovering novel biomarkers, or generating new hypotheses that targeted assays alone might miss. For example, untargeted screening can reveal secondary pathways activated under stress, diet-dependent microbial metabolites in faecal samples, or previously overlooked compounds in disease models.
The Amino Acid and Energy Metabolism analysis supports studies in nutrition, metabolism, microbiome interactions, and systems biology. It can be extended through combination with lipid, bile acid, or short-chain fatty acid panels for comprehensive pathway coverage and integrated metabolic interpretation.
By combining targeted precision with untargeted discovery, each study gains both reliability and breadth. Including untargeted screening alongside your chosen panel ensures you not only confirm what you set out to measure, but also uncover what you didn’t know to look for.