About Us

Introducing the NMP

The NMP is a cutting-edge technology platform that allows for the study of human metabolism on a large scale. The platform is funded by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and hosted at the NWU’s Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM). The CHM was selected as the ideal location to host the NMP due to its extensive expertise and experience in human metabolism.

Developing a world-class service on South African shores

The NMP has been set the task of growing metabolomics in South Africa from an emerging science to a well-established and competitive service offering in both national and international markets.

The NMP has been working to develop metabolomics capabilities within South Africa for the past ten years and has become a centre of excellence in its service offerings. The NMP has also contributed to the development of expertise within South Africa, which has allowed for the highly complex and sophisticated GCMS and LCMS analysis that is required for metabolomics research.

Results that you can rely on

The NMP offers national and international clients research services that are aligned with International Standards ISO 15189 (General requirements for Medical Laboratories) and ISO 9000 (Quality management), ensuring the highest confidence in its results.

accelRare® is a pre-diagnostic solution for rare diseases. accelRare® uses the medvir tool, certified as a Class I medical device, for which Medical Intelligence Service is the manufacturer and Sanofi the distributor.

Receive the Form with PDF Attachment

To obtain a copy of this form as PDF attachment for printing, please provide your email address below.

Provide clinical information

Clinical information may greatly assist in the interpretation of metabolic results and additional recommendations. The clinical information can be provided here

Print the test selection form from email and hand to the patient or phlebotomist for sample collection

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The National Metabolomics Platform is a specialized laboratory dedicated to diagnosing rare and inherited metabolic diseases. Located on the Potchefstroom campus of North-West University, the laboratory may occasionally require additional tests, including genetic testing, to confirm a diagnosis. If these tests incur additional costs, the laboratory will seek prior approval from you and/or your clinician. To ensure diagnostic accuracy, clinical information and other reports may also be requested. Such requests are made solely to enhance the precision of the diagnosis. Following a diagnosis, the laboratory may contact you about potential research projects for which you might be eligible. These projects aim to improve the understanding and characterization of rare diseases and offer patients opportunities to participate in international clinical trials. Participation in these projects is entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation to take part if contacted. All research is conducted under the oversight of the NWU Health Research Ethics Committee.

GCxGC-TOFMS Untargeted

Compound list

Spectra identified via comparison with library spectra

NMR Untargeted

Compound list

Spectra identified via comparison with library spectra

LDL Cholesterol Subfractions

Compound list

The LDL subfraction test measures up to twelve lipoprotein fractions and subfractions (VLDL, mid-bands A-C and LDL 1 through 7)

HDL Cholesterol Subfractions

Compound list

Separates and quantifies up to 10 HDL subfractions, classified from large buoyant HDL lipoproteins (HDL-L) to small-dense HDL lipoproteins (HDL-S).