Essential fatty acids (PUFAs)

Description / Indication

Nutritional studies.

Method

GC-FID

TAT

4 weeks.

Price

€ 216 (each test)

EDTA whole blood, or plasma and/or washed erythrocytes, is the preferred material. Our standard protocol is to analyze both plasma and erythrocytes. Erythrocytes give an impression of the (essential) fatty acid status for a longer period of time whereas plasma levels are representative of the current situation/diet (similar to the relation between HbA1c and glucose). If possible, please do not collect blood postprandially but collect at least 2 hours after a meal or after an overnight fast. For the fatty acids included in the analysis see table below.

Materials:

Erythrocytes (isolated, washed and frozen)

• Amount: See protocol.
• Conditions: -20°C / dry ice.
• Specifics: Erythrocytes Essential Fatty Acids protocol.

Erythrocytes (isolated by us from EDTA whole blood)

• Amount: 1 ml of whole blood.
• Conditions: room temperature.
• Specifics: Sample must arrive at our lab within 24 hours.

Plasma

• Amount: 500 µl.
• Conditions: Dry ice.
• Specifics: EDTA plasma (preferred material), heparin plasma also suitable. We preferably measure in both erythrocytes and plasma to evaluate long-term essential fatty acid status (erythrocytes) and current dietary effects (plasma). Plasma analysis alone is possible but less informative with regard to the (essential) fatty acid status.

Fatty acids included in the analysis: