Dried blood spot (DBS) testing has been used in clinical and research settings for decades, with its origins dating back to the 1960s when it was introduced for large-scale newborn screening programs. Since then, the method has evolved into a well-established and reliable approach for collecting blood samples to assess a wide range of biomarkers, including fatty acids, vitamins, metabolic markers, and other essential nutrients.

One of the key advantages of DBS testing is its practicality. Rather than requiring a traditional venous blood draw, a small capillary blood sample is collected via a simple finger prick and applied to a specialised filter paper card. The sample dries quickly, which helps stabilise many biomarkers and allows it to be transported safely to the laboratory without the need for refrigeration or immediate processing.

DBS testing is minimally invasive, requires only a few drops of blood, and is easy to perform, making it suitable for a variety of testing models. These include self-collection for remote screening, use in clinical or workplace settings, and large-scale population or research studies where efficient and standardised sampling is essential.

All tests offered by Fatty Acid Labs undergo rigorous analytical validation to ensure accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility. Our dried blood spot (DBS) methods are validated against conventional blood collection techniques, such as venous blood draws, where appropriate.

Validation processes include assessment of analytical performance characteristics such as precision, accuracy, linearity, sensitivity, and stability. This ensures that results generated from DBS samples are fit for purpose and suitable for clinical, research, and population-level screening applications.

Yes. All analyses are performed in laboratories that operate under strict quality management systems and participate in external quality assurance (EQA) and proficiency testing programs.

These programs provide independent verification of analytical performance and help ensure ongoing consistency and reliability of results. Participation in EQA schemes allows laboratory performance to be benchmarked against other accredited laboratories internationally.

Our tests are designed for professional, clinical, research, and screening applications, including use in healthcare settings, workplace programs, and large-scale population studies. All testing is conducted using validated methods and governed by quality assurance processes.

While results are not intended to replace clinical diagnosis, they provide reliable biomarker data to support screening, monitoring, and research-driven decision-making.

Test results are presented alongside evidence-based reference ranges to help contextualise biomarker status. Where appropriate, results are categorised to indicate whether values fall within expected ranges or outside them, supporting interpretation for screening, monitoring, and research purposes.

Reference ranges are derived from published scientific literature, validated datasets, and established clinical or research standards, depending on the biomarker being assessed.

Yes. Results can be delivered in consumer-friendly report formats that are easy to understand and suitable for individual screening or monitoring, while still being grounded in robust scientific interpretation.

For research, workplace programs, or large-scale population studies, raw and structured data can also be exported in spreadsheet-compatible formats, enabling aggregation, statistical analysis, and integration into external databases or study workflows.

Reports are intended to support screening, monitoring, and research applications. They are not designed to replace clinical diagnosis or medical advice, but to provide reliable biomarker data that can inform further evaluation, decision-making, or research analysis.

Users receive automated notifications at key stages of the testing process, including when samples are registered, received by the laboratory, and when results are available. This provides clear visibility across the full testing lifecycle without the need for manual follow-up.

Results can be accessed as professional PDF reports or exported in spreadsheet-compatible formats (e.g. Excel) for defined date ranges, supporting individual review, cohort analysis, and large-scale screening or research programs.

The portal offers flexible report-sharing options. Reports can be sent directly to patients by the healthcare provider, or patients can be granted access to view their results through their own secure accounts, depending on the preferred workflow.

This flexibility supports a range of use cases, including clinical practice, workplace or community screening programs, and population-based studies.