NIH Metabolomics Consortium | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Skip Navigation NIH Metabolomics Consortium Close the left navigation About The NIH Metabolomics Consortium (NIH-MC) is a shared research resource that facilitates metabolomics analysis (and related small molecule research) for investigators at all Institutes and Centers across the NIH Intramural Research Program. The NIH-MC provides NIH IRP researchers with a centralized process (see request form below) to match needs with expertise and resources. The participating laboratories at NIEHS, NIA, and NIAID share information, methods, and analysis expertise; NIH-MC is administered at NIEHS. The NIH-MC was established in 2023 and continues to grow in the offerings provided, expertise, and participatory labs. Please review the information below for our offerings, participatory laboratories ( NIEHS NIAID , and NIA) and scientists Offerings Metabolomics measures the small molecules – endogenous and exogenous – that underpin biological changes in response to diet, behavior, exposure, disease, and more. Currently, the NIH-MC offers two general types of metabolomics approaches – targeted and untargeted – covering different aspects of metabolism and to varying degrees of analytical measurement. Each offering has unique requirements, deliverables, and costs – please review the information for each offering carefully. The specific metabolomics assays offered, by site, are: National Institute on Aging (NIA) Targeted Metabolomics – Biocrates Assay – Quantitative measurement of small molecule metabolites and lipids using assay kits supplied by biocrates National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Bile Acids – Quantification of primary and secondary bile acids, including conjugated and free forms. Short Chain Fatty Acids – Quantification of short-chain fatty acids (consult prior to sample collection). Targeted Lipidomics – Relative quantitation of a broad panel of >1700 individual glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and sterol lipids. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Untargeted Metabolomics – Measurement of the relative changes of all detectable chemicals/metabolites in a specimen as part of a global metabolic profile. Costs Cost varies across assays but is highly competitive with academic laboratories and commercial services. For example, the untargeted metabolomics assay from NIEHS costs $135 per sample. Cost will be discussed and agreed upon prior to starting the experiment. Different NIH Institutes/Centers handle Investigator costs for SRS-supported core facilities using different mechanisms, so we recommend that you inquire with your Lab/Branch Chief or Scientific Director. Typical Order of Operations Submit a request form (information below) or email general inquiry A form is required prior to consideration. The NIH-MC team will review the request and discuss feasibility. The NIH-MC team will contact the requester and PI to determine all further steps which nearly always include a consultation via video conference, guidance on sample handling and/or preparation, etc. Note : The participating laboratory may determine after consultation that they cannot provide the requested analysis. The NIH-MC will assist in finding alternative options. Questions Questions about the operation or general inquiry should be routed to the NIH-MC email Technical questions about specific offerings should be routed to the contact information listed at the bottom of each offerings page. Back to Top Last Reviewed: December 23, 2025