Complete fatty acid profiling including Omega-3, Omega-6, monounsaturated, saturated, and trans fatty acids with calculated indices and ratios. Performed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID).
24+ fatty acids & indices
3–5 working days
This method provides a comprehensive assessment of fatty acid status from a single dried blood spot, enabling evaluation of essential fatty acid intake, cardiovascular risk markers, and inflammatory balance.
Clinical indications include:
| Analyte / Group | Components | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fatty acids | ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA | Anti-inflammatory; essential for cardiovascular and neurological health |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | LA, GLA, DGLA, AA | Pro-inflammatory in excess; essential in balance with Omega-3 |
| Monounsaturated | Oleic acid and others | Associated with cardiovascular protection |
| Saturated fatty acids | Palmitic, stearic, and others | Structural and metabolic roles; excess linked to CVD risk |
| Trans fatty acids | Industrial and ruminant trans fats | Associated with increased cardiovascular risk |
| Calculated indices | Omega-3 Index, Trans Fat Index, Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio, AA:EPA ratio | Composite markers for clinical interpretation |
Fatty acids are fundamental components of cell membranes and play critical roles in energy metabolism, signal transduction, gene expression, and inflammatory regulation. The balance between different fatty acid classes — particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6 — has profound implications for cardiovascular, neurological, and immune health.
Target 8–12% for optimal cardiovascular protection
Key marker of inflammatory balance
Lower is better; no safe threshold established
The Omega-3 Index, defined as the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, has emerged as a robust biomarker for cardiovascular risk. An index below 4% is associated with the highest risk of cardiac events, while an index of 8–12% is considered cardioprotective. Unlike plasma levels, the Omega-3 Index reflects long-term dietary intake over approximately 120 days.
DHA is particularly important during pregnancy and early development, as it is critical for foetal brain and retinal development. Maternal DHA status directly influences supply to the foetus, making prenatal assessment clinically relevant.
Fatty acid profiling supports evidence-based dietary counselling across a wide range of clinical scenarios, from cardiovascular prevention to neuropsychiatric support and prenatal care.
The test is performed using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID), the gold standard for fatty acid profiling. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are prepared from the dried blood spot and separated on a highly polar capillary column, providing baseline resolution of individual fatty acid species including positional and geometric isomers.
DBS collection enables convenient home sampling without venepuncture. The dried blood spot matrix reflects red blood cell membrane composition, providing a stable, long-term measure of fatty acid status rather than a snapshot of recent dietary intake.
From enquiry to results in a few simple steps — no clinic visit required.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
The Omega-3 Index is the percentage of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in red blood cell membranes. It is a validated biomarker for cardiovascular risk. An index above 8% is associated with the lowest risk of cardiac events and is considered cardioprotective. An index below 4% is classified as high risk. Unlike plasma levels, the Omega-3 Index reflects long-term dietary intake over approximately 120 days.
The full profile measures over 24 individual fatty acids from a dried blood spot by GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection). It includes the Omega-3 Index, Trans Fat Index, Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio, and AA:EPA ratio. Individual fatty acids across the Omega-3, Omega-6, monounsaturated, saturated, and trans fat classes are quantified, providing a comprehensive picture of dietary fat intake and inflammatory balance.
The test uses a simple finger-prick to collect a few drops of blood onto a dried blood spot (DBS) card. You can do this at home or in a clinic — no venous blood draw is needed. The DBS matrix reflects red blood cell membrane composition, providing a stable, long-term measure of fatty acid status rather than a snapshot of recent dietary intake.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by GC-FID, the gold standard for fatty acid profiling, providing baseline resolution of individual fatty acid species including positional and geometric isomers.
The most effective approach is to increase your intake of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, which are rich in EPA and DHA. Quality fish oil or algae-based Omega-3 supplements are also effective. Plant-based sources like flaxseed and walnuts provide ALA, which has a limited conversion rate to EPA and DHA. Retesting after 3 to 4 months of consistent supplementation will show whether your levels have improved.
Masdiag's Omega-3 Index and fatty acid profile test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.