One million DBS samples received, analyzed and reported
As of December 16, 2021 we have reached an important and noteworthy milestone. One million dried blood spot (DBS) samples have been sent from customers all around the world for analysis of different biomarkers. We currently receive 350 000 DBS samples annually with typical 25 % increase per year, and the rate is increasing from year to year as new customers and new assays are made available.
Historical COVID-19 antibody testing in dried blood spots (DBS)
Discontinued service - The Vitas COVID-19 antibody test, associated sampling kits and analytical service described on this page were offered during the COVID-19 pandemic and are no longer offered, sold or performed by Vitas. This page is retained solely as a historical record of Vitas’ previous analytical and research activities. It does not constitute a current commercial offer or instruction for use.
The Mystery of the Disappearing Mussels
The mussel population in Norway has declined, possibly due to pollution, diseases, invasive species, and climate change. Tralopyril, a biocidal agent, has been detected in mussels and may have toxic effects. Monitoring tralopyril is essential to assess its impact on marine ecosystems and food safety. Limits for substances in food are necessary, and sensitive and accurate analytical methods must be made available.
The Gut Microbiome: From Microbial Metabolism to Human Biology
The human gastrointestinal tract is home to one of the most diverse biological ecosystems on Earth. Collectively known as the gut microbiome, this vast community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses contains trillions of microorganisms that coexist with their human host. Although these microorganisms represent only a small fraction of our body mass, they possess an enormous collective metabolic capacity, producing thousands of chemical compounds that influence the biochemical environment of the intestine and beyond.
The Pivotal Role of Local GMP Labs in Pharmaceutical Quality Control
Local GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) labs play a crucial role in pharmaceutical quality control by ensuring product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance through rigorous testing and validation. Vitas, leveraging its GMP-certified facilities, offers a wide array of services such as method development, validation, stability testing, impurity characterization, and regulatory support, all crucial for ensuring pharmaceutical product quality and compliance with international standards. Choosing a local partner simplifies communication and ensures proper alignment on project aims throughout the development phases.
The Carotenoids - Natures Rainbow
Carotenoids, vibrant pigments found in plants and fruits, possess remarkable biological functions and play a vital role in nature, human health, and food manufacturing. This article explores their types, functions, chemistry, health benefits, and their significance in food coloring. Carotenoids act as antioxidants, attract pollinators, and provide visual signals in plants. Animals obtain carotenoids from their diet, influencing coloration and providing biological functions. Carotenoids are widely used in the food industry as natural colorants.
Vitamin D – The sunshine vitamin
Vitas provides quantitative analysis of vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites in plasma, serum, dried blood spots, volumetric microsamples and pharmaceutical or nutritional products. The services are provided exclusively to professional customers as part of clinical research, pharmaceutical development, nutritional studies and other contract analytical projects.
HbA1c and Metabolic Biomarker Analysis
Diabetes is a major area of clinical and biomedical research, with HbA1c serving as one of the most widely used biomarkers of long-term glucose exposure. Vitas provides quantitative HbA1c analysis in liquid whole blood, red blood cells and dried blood spot (DBS) samples as part of contract analytical services for pharmaceutical development, clinical studies, population research and other professionally sponsored projects. In addition, Vitas offers analysis of complementary biomarkers relevant to diabetes and metabolic research, including C-peptide, triacylglycerols (TAG), and satiety hormones such as PYY, CCK, ghrelin, leptin and GLP-1.
Fat matters – Lipids and health
Dietary fats (also called lipids) are essential for maintaining good overall health. Fat provides body energy, protects organs, supports cell growth, keeps cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and helps your body absorb vital nutrients. Type of fats and fatty acids in foods, supplements, and in biological samples like blood, can be monitored in several ways. Vitas offers a wide range of analytical methods for lipids and fatty acids. Learn more about fats and different fatty acids in this article.