Core description for use in NIH Facilities & Resources page:

The Pediatric Biomarkers Core facility provides the equipment and technical expertise to assay samples using methods that combine the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Core services are not restricted to pediatric research and are applicable to a wide variety of sample types and will allow small-molecule metabolite profile identification. The Core has a Thermo Fisher Scientific Vanquish UHPLC/TSQ Quantis triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, a Thermo Fisher Scientific Trace gas chromatograph/ISQ 7000 mass spectrometer and three Waters High Performance Liquid Chromatographs with fluorescence, UV, and electrochemical detectors. The Biomarkers Core routinely performs analysis of amino acids, biomarkers of oxidative stress, fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), isoprostanes, hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde and nitrate/nitrite. The core also provides protocol development services to establish custom analyses based on individual project requirements. The core is located in the Emory-Children’s Center building.

The Biomarkers Core currently performs analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, cystine, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), isoprostanes, hydroxynonenals, and malonyldialdehydes. This core also analyzes Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from biological samples such as meconium, hair, placenta, blood, and plasma as markers of alcohol use and exposure. The core will work with investigators to develop protocols to suit their needs.

Current analyses performed by the Biomarkers Core:

• Biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, cystine, isoprostanes, hydroxynonenal, and malonyldialdehyde
• Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from biological samples such as meconium, hair, placenta, blood, dried blood spots, and plasma as markers of alcohol use and exposure
• Intracellular levels of ribonucleoside triphosphates and deoxynucleoside triphosphates, useful in the study of cellular metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis
• Creatine levels in cells and urine for the study of creatine disorders
• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)
• Amino Acids in plasma, blood, dried blood spots, and urine

Pricing is per sample and does not include protocol development. An intake meeting will outline all fees and necessary protocol development. Reviewed 9/1/2024

• GC/MS and LC/MS/MS processing - $93 per run (sample/standard)
• HPLC processing - $53 per run (sample/standard)
• ELISA processing - $49 per sample/standard
• Protocol development - $50 per hour
• All new projects will include a minimum of 1 hour of protocol development to prepare the assay to investigator’s satisfaction
• Other services to analyze biomarkers may be available. Contact Dr. Lou Ann Brown to discuss feasibility and rates

Pediatric researchers may be eligible for subsidized rates, up to $3,000 a year.  Please contact Dr. Lou Ann Brown to determine eligibility.

The Biomarkers Core includes equipment to perform High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Specific equipment includes:

• Thermo Quantis Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatograph/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS)
• Thermo ISQ 7000 Gas Chromatograph/Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)
• Three Waters High Performance Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC)
    - One with Fluorescence Detector
    - One with Fluorescence and UV Detectors
    - One with Electrochemical Detector
• Other analyte analysis available, including ELISA, colorimetric, or fluorometric assays; contact core director to inquire.

The Biomarkers Core is generously supported by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. When presenting or publishing work completed using the core, please include "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University Pediatric Biomarkers Core (RRID: SCR_025574)" in the acknowledgments.

To determine if you should use "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta" in your author affiliations, please see guidelines here.