| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Sample Type(s) | Serum, plasma, and other biological samples |
| Shipping | |
| Species | |
| Storage |
Overview
For quantitative determination of sphingomyelin in biological samples (serum, plasma, etc.). The assay uses OD570nm or FL530/585nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Serum, plasma, and other biological samples. Typical stated assay timing is 30 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: OD570nm or FL530/585nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Serum, plasma, and other biological samples, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of OD, FL: 1, 0.07 mg/dL for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Safe. Non-radioactive assay.
Additional feature notes highlight Sensitive and accurate. Linear detection range in a 96-well plate: 1 – 50 mg/dL sphingomyelin for colorimetric assays and 0.07 – 7 mg/dL sphingomyelin for fluorimetric assays; Convenient and high-throughput. Homogeneous “mix-incubate-measure” type assay. Can be readily automated to assay thousands of samples per day. Available format information for this listing includes 100 Tests in 96-well plate.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of sphingomyelin within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
SPHINGOMYELINS(ceramide phosphocholine, SM) are key lipid components of cell membranes and lipoproteins. Sphingomyelinases (SMases) hydrolyze most sphingomyelins into ceramide and phosphocholine. This release of ceramide contributes to cell signaling pathways resulting in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. Niemann-Pick disease is identified by the accumulation of sphingomyelin due to deficiencies in sphingomyelinase activity. Increased sphingomyelin levels have also been observed in several diseases, such as atherosclerosis, so simple, direct, and automation-ready procedures for measuring sphingomyelins are very desirable. BioAssay Systems’ EnzyChrom™ Sphingomyelin Assay Kit provides a convenient colorimetric and fluorimetric method to quantify sphingomyelin in biological samples. In this assay, sphingomyelin is enzymatically converted to hydrogen peroxide, which forms a colored product with the dye reagent that is measurable at OD570 nm or fluorescence at λex/em = 530/585nm. The colored product is directly proportional to the sphingomyelin concentration in the sample.
Detection method
Colorimetric (OD 570 nm) or Fluorescent (FL 530/585 nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit(s): Colorimetric: 1 mg/dL / Fluorescent: 0.07 mg/dL. Additional source wording: OD, FL: 1, 0.07 mg/dL.
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 30 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- Short assay timing and plate compatibility support time-course or repeated-measure collection plans when handling is kept consistent.
Common research applications
- Quantify sphingomyelin in serum, plasma by OD570 nm or FL530/585 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched serum, plasma handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in serum, plasma across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
Does this kit measure all sphingomyelins?
This kit measures all sphingomyelins that are made up of phosphocholine and ceramide, but will not measure sphingomyelins with a phosphoethanolamine head.
I am noticing a precipitate in Enzyme Mix when reconstituted. Is this normal and will it affect the results?
It is not uncommon for precipitate to appear in Enzyme Mix. If precipitate is observed, centrifuge for 2 min at 14,000 rpm and use the clear supernatant to run the assay. This should not affect results.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
