QC Mix Solutions for Enhanced Metabolomics Profiling

Alon Sayer, Merck, Rehovot, Israel (alon.sayer@merckgroup.com)
Aviran Amir, Merck, Rehovot, Israel
Gil Yeroslavsky, Merck, Rehovot, Israel

Metabolomics, the study of small molecule metabolites derived from biochemical processes, primarily utilizes liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for profiling. To maintain data quality and monitor variations in LC-MS analyses, it is essential to include a quality control (QC) sample at the beginning of each analytical batch and periodically during the workflow. This QC sample is crucial for evaluating potential drifts in intensity values, ion suppression, and retention time changes. We developed three distinct QC metabolite mix sample solutions tailored to specific polarity characteristics and column types (C8, C18, or HILIC). Each mix is supported by a robust LC-MS methodology capable of detecting drifting phenomena across metabolomics experiments.