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Working Up a Good Sweat - The Challenges of Standardising Sweat Collection for Metabolomics Analysis
Joy N Hussain1, Nitin Mantri2, Marc M Cohen1
1School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic. 3083.
The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Standardizing human sweat collection is crucial for advancing sweat metabolomics. This analysis of existing methods highlights key factors impacting data reliability for improved health and disease monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Human sweat is a complex biofluid with potential for medical diagnostics.
- Current methods for sweat collection, handling, and storage require standardization for reliable metabolomics analysis.
- Understanding sweat's origins, composition, and function is key to developing personalized medical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a cross-disciplinary overview of human sweat analysis.
- To explore factors influencing the standardization of sweat collection for metabolomics.
- To identify areas for improvement in sweat sample handling and processing.
Main Methods:
- A literature review of human sweat analysis studies from 2006-2016 was conducted.
- Studies focusing on metabolomics or similar 'omics' analyses were prioritized.
- Methods for sweat induction, sampling, storage, processing, and analysis were critically reviewed.
Main Results:
- Numerous factors significantly impact the validity, reliability, and reproducibility of sweat analysis.
- Key variables include anatomical site, skin preparation, environmental conditions, and timing of collection.
- Individual factors like diet, drug use, and health status also influence results, alongside sample handling and storage.
Conclusions:
- Standardized operating protocols for human sweat collection are essential.
- Developing these protocols will enhance the utility of sweat metabolomics in understanding human physiology.
- Reliable sweat metabolomics can significantly advance the diagnosis and monitoring of various health conditions.
