INTER-LABORATORY REPRODUCIBILITY OF A TARGETED LIPIDOMICS PLATFORM FOR ANALYSIS OF HUMAN SERUM AND PLASMA

Significance of Targeted Lipidomics Platform

Blood plasma lipid profiling offers insights into organism homeostasis and disease states. Rapid advancements in mass spectrometry and simplified lipidomic protocols have created opportunities for clinical and biomedical applications. However, lack of standardized methods and data reporting units hinders reproducibility and inter-laboratory comparisons.

Objectives and Study Overview

The main goal was to determine the reproducibility of the LipidQuan targeted lipidomics workflow across different laboratories analyzing human serum and plasma. Participating sites implemented a standardized method to measure over 2000 lipid species and assess quantitative performance parameters.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employed comprehensive MRM transitions (431 positive mode, 446 negative mode) within an 8-minute LC gradient. Key validation metrics included linearity, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, quantification limits, specificity, carry-over and matrix effects.

• Sample preparation and data processing followed SOPs using QuanpediaTM.
• Internal standards and calibration curves were used for absolute quantification of lipid classes.
• System suitability solutions and validation test kits (calibrators, QC samples, dilution integrity controls, NIST SRM1950) ensured method consistency.

Results and Discussion

Intra-day accuracy biases remained within acceptable limits and precision CVs were consistently low for both positive and negative mode screens. Aggregated data from multiple laboratories showed strong correlation in measured concentrations of NIST SRM 1950 lipid species, demonstrating high inter-laboratory reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The LipidQuan platform delivers a robust, fast (8 min runtime), and cost-effective workflow that reduces method development time. Its automation capability and compatibility with common bioinformatics tools facilitate high-throughput lipid profiling in clinical research, quality control, and multi-omics integration.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Standardization efforts could expand to include broader lipid classes and matrices. Integration with machine learning approaches and advanced informatics will enhance data interpretation. Adoption of absolute quantification standards will further support clinical biomarker discovery and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The inter-laboratory study confirmed that the LipidQuan targeted lipidomics platform provides reproducible, accurate, and precise quantitative lipid data across multiple sites. This workflow supports harmonization of lipidomics data for clinical and research applications.

Reference

1. Vvedenskaya O., Wang Y., Ackerman J.M., Knittelfelder O., Shevchenko A. Analytical challenges in human plasma lipidomics: A winding path towards the truth. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 2019;120:115277.
2. Burla B., Arita M., Bendt A.K., Cazenave-Gassiot A., Dennis E.A., Ekroos K., et al. MS-based lipidomics of human blood plasma - a community-initiated position paper to develop accepted guidelines. Journal of Lipid Research. 2018;59:jlr.S087163.