FAQ

A standard untargeted-metabolomics project typically takes 2–4 weeks from sample receipt to delivery of the analysis report. Targeted-quantification projects depend on analyte count and method-development needs; mature panels usually take 1–3 weeks. The exact timeline is confirmed in writing before project start, and progress can be tracked on the OmicsHub cloud platform.

We safeguard data reliability at three levels: ① Platforms—high-end LC-MS and sequencing systems such as Orbitrap Astral, Orbitrap Fusion and Q Exactive HFX; ② QC—every batch runs with QC samples, with instrument status and data quality monitored throughout; ③ Analysis—standardized bioinformatics pipelines plus manual review. We stand by "quality speaks for omics" and take responsibility for every sample.

Typical reference amounts: cells ≥ 10⁶, tissue ≥ 50 mg, serum/plasma ≥ 50 μL. Samples must be stored at -80°C, shipped on dry ice, and protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Requirements vary by project type (discovery proteomics, PTM proteomics, PRM, etc.); a tailored Sample Collection Guide is provided before shipment.

Standard workflow: study design → sample preparation and single-cell-suspension QC → library preparation → high-throughput sequencing → data QC → cell clustering and annotation → differential and functional analysis → report delivery and interpretation. Key checkpoints (suspension quality, captured-cell counts) are confirmed with you in real time.

Yes. Pre-sales response within 1 hour—our professional team designs your experiment free of charge, including technology-route selection, sample-size estimation, grouping advice and quotation. Projects start only after your confirmation, with no upfront fees.

Standard deliverables include data QC, qualitative/quantitative analysis, differential screening, PCA/clustering, pathway enrichment (KEGG/GO) and biomarker mining. Custom in-depth analysis and multi-omics integration are also supported, with results viewable and downloadable on the OmicsHub cloud platform.

For 3 years after delivery, we provide free answers to report-related questions, reasonable supplementary data analysis, and data explanations or supplementary-experiment advice for manuscript revisions. The whole experiment is interactive, with proactive updates at key milestones.

Flexible models are supported: commissioned testing, joint research projects, co-publication and more. Core team members come from Peking University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Anhui Medical University and other institutions (expert information is company self-disclosure; verifiable supporting materials can be provided during business discussions), and are familiar with research-project funding and publication logic.

Our platforms span five areas—chromatography, mass spectrometry, sequencing and molecular & cell biology—with core systems including Orbitrap Astral, Orbitrap Fusion and Q Exactive HFX (the platform list is company self-disclosure; on-site visits for verification are welcome). See the Instrument Platforms page for details.

Four steps: ① describe your needs via 400-660-8826 or WeChat support; ② receive a response within 1 hour with a free proposal and quotation; ③ confirm the plan, sign the contract and ship samples; ④ we execute with progress updates, then deliver and interpret the report.

Repeated freeze–thaw during transit. Tissue, cell pellets and serum should be aliquoted once, stored at −80 °C and shipped on dry ice. Whether a sample passes is decided by the actual QC result on arrival; repeated freeze–thaw directly affects the stability of protein and metabolite detection.

For routine omics, 50–100 mg per sample is a common range — always follow the sample-requirement page of the specific project. Process and aliquot at low temperature as soon as possible after collection, avoid prolonged room-temperature exposure, and for fixation-based work (e.g. pathology) fix according to the fixative protocol before shipping.

Low-input protocols can be evaluated for many projects, but please do not dilute samples to make up volume — dilution dilutes the analytes as well. Tell us the amount actually available and we will assess feasibility, whether samples can be pooled, or whether the strategy should be adjusted.

It depends on sample type and expected effect size: three or more replicates are common for cells and model animals, while clinical or population samples usually need more (e.g. five or more) for statistical power. With too few replicates, differences cannot be separated from individual variation.

Yes, it can. Samples belonging to the same comparison group should be shipped and measured in the same batch where possible, with QC samples reserved in the design. If batching is unavoidable, record batch information so it can be included in downstream correction.

Both are acceptable, but stay consistent within one project and never mix them. Centrifuge and aliquot promptly after collection using the standard workflow, and avoid haemolysis. Tube type and processing time follow the sample-collection guide of the specific project.

Yes, but handling differs: plant samples need attention to polyphenol and pigment interference, while microbial and faecal samples must follow anaerobic/low-temperature requirements and avoid repeated freeze–thaw. Confirm the pre-treatment requirements for the sample type before shipping.

Samples are logged and inspected on arrival, then QC is performed according to the project (e.g. concentration, integrity, degradation). If QC fails we report the reason immediately and decide together whether to resample, adjust the plan or stop — testing never continues without your agreement.

Standard delivery covers the experimental methods, QC results, data tables and analysis results with figures. Raw data files can be provided as agreed in the project. If you need specific formats (e.g. publication-ready figures or matrices), raise it at the design stage.

Yes. The thresholds used (e.g. fold change and significance level) are stated in the report and can be adjusted to your study, with the change documented. Different thresholds yield different numbers of hits, so the rationale should be given alongside the results.

GO describes functional categories (biological process, molecular function, cellular component) while KEGG maps pathways; they answer different questions. Reporting only one can miss the other layer, so both are usually presented side by side for cross-checking.

Correlation analysis, shared-pathway mapping and integrative modelling (e.g. correlation networks or multi-omics factor models) are feasible, but the strength of conclusions depends on sample size and data quality. For small studies, read results as hypothesis generation rather than confirmation.

Project data is retained as agreed — confirm the retention period with your project lead. Client data is used only for delivering that project and is not reused or disclosed without written consent; an NDA can be signed.

Expedited scheduling can be evaluated, subject to instrument and staffing availability at the time. It changes queue order only — the necessary experimental and QC steps are not compressed, so data quality is not traded away.

First verify sample metadata, grouping and thresholds, then re-check raw data and intermediate results. If it is an analysis-scope issue we re-analyse; if it is a sample or experimental issue we explain the cause and suggest resampling or design adjustments.

The tracer (e.g. a 13C-labelled substrate) and labelling time must match the pathway of interest: too short and downstream metabolites are not detectable, too long and the system approaches steady state, losing flux information. This is usually settled in a pilot run, agreed jointly during study design.

Carbon, nitrogen and other elements have natural isotopic abundance; without correction, natural isotopes would be misread as label signal. Reports state the correction method, and interpretation of mass isotopomer distributions (MIDs) relies on it.

The project scope and deliverables are confirmed by contract or work order, and payment/invoicing follow that agreement. If your institution requires an internal procurement process (tender, framework agreement), tell us at the design stage and we will provide the documents needed.