| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Assay Time | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Sample Type(s) | Biological, food, beverage, environment |
| Shipping | |
| Species | |
| Storage |
Overview
For quantitative and direct determination of formaldehyde concentrations in biological, food and environmental samples. The assay uses FL370/470nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Biological, food, beverage, environment. Typical stated assay timing is 30 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: FL370/470nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Biological, food, beverage, environment, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of 1.5 µM (45 ppb) for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Safe. Non-radioactive assay.
Additional feature notes highlight Sensitive and accurate. As low as 1.5 µM (45 ppb) formaldehyde can be quantified; Homogeneous and convenient. “Mix-incubate-measure” type assay. No wash and reagent transfer steps are involved. Available format information for this listing includes 100 Tests.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of formaldehyde 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
FORMALDEHYDE(methanal) is the simplest aldehyde. It is widely employed in the industry for a wide range of applications. Formaldehyde is also used as a disinfectant and is a commonly utilized tissue fixative and embalming agent. Formaldehyde is naturally present in all tissues and body fluids. Recently it has been shown that some cancer types exhibit elevated formaldehyde levels. Increased formaldehyde concentration in urine has been associated with prostate and bladder cancer. Thus, measuring formaldehyde in urine can be a very useful tool when studying cancer. BioAssay Systems’s newly designed Formaldehyde Assay Kit provides a convenient fluorimetric means to measure formaldehyde in biological samples. In the assay, formaldehyde is derivatized with acetoacetanilide in the presence of ammonia. The resulting fluorescent product is then quantified fluorimetrically (λexc/em = 370/470nm). The assay is simple, sensitive, stable, and high-throughput adaptable. The assay can detect as low as 1.5 µM formaldehyde in biological samples.
Detection method
Fluorescent (FL 370/470 nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: 1.5 µM (45 ppb).
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 formaldehyde in biological, food, beverage, environment by FL370/470 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched biological, food, beverage, environment handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in biological, food, beverage, environment 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.
What samples have you tested?
This kit has been tested in blood and urine samples.
Can I use whole blood samples?
We have done some tests in whole blood samples. In the internal standard method, the fluorescence intensity is greatly quenched so the sensitivity will be reduced by ~70X (detection limit to about 105 μM, way above typical formaldehyde concentrations in blood samples). As a result, it is not suitable for whole blood samples.
Below is a revised protocol for whole blood treatment and we have verified it works well. It is simple and quick. 100 μL blood is needed. For whole blood samples include the following revised deproteination protocol:
– Add 100 μL 10% TCA per 100 μL whole blood.
– Vortex and centrifuge 10 min at 14000 rpm
– Transfer 100 μL supernatant to clean tube and add 25 μL Neutralizer.
– Vortex and add 50 μL to 2 separate wells (1 well for full WR and one for Blank WR)
– Follow protocol, run a standard curve in dH2O. Read fluorescence for Sample, Sample Blank and the standards.
– Subtract RFU of Blank from sample RFU and multiply by 2.5 (dilution factor for deproteination). Divide corrected Sample ΔRFU by slope of water (H2O) standard curve.
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This method can detect as low as 1.5 μM formaldehyde (same as in H2O).
What is the benefit of using an internal standard?
The use of an internal standard can correct for potential interference by sample matrix.
Will the assay kit work in a 384 well plate, cuvette, etc?
Yes, the assay can be used in any standard plate and cuvette. Simply adjust the total reaction volume to your container. For 384 well use 20-90 μL, for a cuvette use 1 mL (some narrow cuvettes can hold 200-500 μL).
Can I store unused reagents for future use?
Yes, unused reagents can be stored according to the assay protocol. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles of reagents should be avoided. Working Reagents should be made fresh for each assay.
Do I need to use a standard or standard curve with each assay run?
Yes, it is highly recommended.
Will the assay react with other aldehydes?
No, the assay is specific for formaldehyde and will not react with other aldehydes.
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.
Endogenous formaldehyde is a memory-related molecule in mice and humans
Ai, L.,et al. (2019). Endogenous formaldehyde is a memory-related molecule in mice and humans. Communications Biology, 2(1), 446. Assay: Formaldehyde in mouse tissue.
Evidence for Conversion of Methanol to Formaldehyde in Nonhuman Primate Brain
Zhai, R et al (2016). Evidence for Conversion of Methanol to Formaldehyde in Nonhuman Primate Brain. Analylatical Cell Pathology (Amsterdam): 4598454. Assay: Formaldehyde in monkey CSF.
Alzheimer’s disease and methanol toxicity (part 2): lessons from four rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) chronically fed methanol
Yang, M et al (2014). Alzheimer’s disease and methanol toxicity (part 2): lessons from four rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) chronically fed methanol. J Alzheimers Dis. 41(4): 1131-1147. Assay: Formaldehyde in monkey whole blood.
