Price follows scope more than chromatography: free versus total amino acids, panel size, sample preparation, calibration and minimum-order fees. Our free amino acid profile is $125 per sample (1–9 samples), $99 (10–49) and $79 (50+), with a $150 minimum order.
The price of an amino acid analysis depends more on what is included than on the chromatography. Two quotes for "an amino acid panel" can cover different analytes, different preparation and different report contents. Compare them line by line. This page sets out what drives the price, what we charge, and what you should receive.
Our posted prices
| Item | What it covers | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| AA-1 free amino acid profile | 19 free amino acids plus ammonia, in µM and mg/L; PDF with chromatogram and QC summary; typically 5 business days | $125 (1–9 samples), $99 (10–49), $79 (50+) |
| AA-2 extended panel | GABA, ornithine, citrulline, taurine and hydroxyproline, added to AA-1 | +$25 per sample |
| PREP-1 solids and powders | Weighing, extraction and filtration | +$30 per sample |
| PREP-2 new-matrix qualification | Spike-recovery check the first time we see a matrix type | $200 once, waived at 20+ samples |
| RUSH | 48-hour turnaround | +100 % |
| Minimum order | $150 |
The full list, with an order estimator, is on the pricing page.
What drives the price
Free versus total amino acids
Total amino acids need acid hydrolysis first. The harmonized pharmacopeial chapter describes 6 N hydrochloric acid with 0.1–1.0 % phenol, typically at 110 °C for 24 hours under vacuum or inert atmosphere 1. Hydrolysis destroys tryptophan and partly destroys serine and threonine 1. It also deamidates asparagine and glutamine to aspartic and glutamic acid 1. Cysteine, cystine and methionine need a separate performic acid oxidation before hydrolysis 1.
So hydrolysate panels report Asx and Glx rather than four separate amino acids, and sulfur amino acids and tryptophan are often priced as separate tests. We measure free amino acids only. Free versus total amino acids explains the difference.
Number of analytes
Panels differ in which amino acids they include, so compare quotes analyte by analyte, not by panel name. Our AA-1 lists all 19 amino acids and ammonia by name on the analyte reference page.
Sample preparation
Some quotes price the measurement alone and add preparation as a separate line; others include it. Ask which applies. We include clarification and deproteinization of liquid samples in AA-1. Solids and powders carry a $30 surcharge.
Calibration and matrix
A QC standard and reagent blanks run alongside every batch of samples, and they take instrument time too. Matrix matters too. Pre-column derivatization methods are more affected by buffer components than post-column methods 1. That is why a new matrix may call for a spike-recovery check. We charge $200 the first time we see a matrix type, waived at 20 or more samples.
Turnaround
Ours is typically 5 business days, with a 48-hour rush at +100 %.
Minimum orders
For one or two samples, a minimum order can outweigh the per-sample rate. Ours is $150.
Report contents
Calculations, chromatograms and raw data are sometimes included and sometimes itemized. Ask what the report contains before comparing prices. Ours is a PDF with concentrations, chromatogram and QC summary. Raw data is available as CSV on request.
Estimating your total
Add four things:
- the per-sample rate times the number of samples,
- any one-time fees,
- preparation surcharges,
- rush.
Then check the total against the minimum order.
Here is a worked example with our posted prices: 12 cell culture supernatants, a matrix type we have not seen before, standard panel.
- 12 samples: 12 × $99 = $1,188, plus $200 for new-matrix qualification, for $1,388.
- 20 samples: the qualification fee is waived, so the total is 20 × $99 = $1,980.
- 2 samples: 2 × $125 = $250, above the $150 minimum.
What you should get for the price
Use this checklist on any quote or report, including ours.
- Method named: derivatization chemistry, separation and detection.
- Scope stated: every analyte reported, and any not reported, such as tryptophan after acid hydrolysis 1.
- Free or total stated: the two answer different questions and are not interchangeable.
- Units and basis: µM, mg/L or per gram, with dilution factors.
- Internal standard: the harmonized pharmacopeial chapter recommends one to monitor losses and variation 1.
- QC standard: an amino acid mixture of known concentration run with your samples, and its result.
- Blanks: reagent blanks alongside the samples.
- Low values: results below the quantitation limit flagged, not reported as numbers.
- Chromatograms: so you can see what was integrated.
- Raw data: available on request.
- Quality-system status: research use, GLP, GMP or ISO 17025.
Our report gives concentrations in µM and mg/L with a chromatogram and QC summary, and raw data as CSV on request. We are not a GLP, GMP or ISO 17025 laboratory; our work supports research, development and process monitoring.
For more on each part:
- Choosing an amino acid method compares the chemistries.
- Quality control describes our checks.
- Reading an amino acid profile helps with the result.
- Sample submission explains how to order when you are ready.
References
- 〈1052〉 Biotechnology-Derived Articles—Amino Acid Analysis (harmonized text) — United States Pharmacopeia, harmonized with the European and Japanese Pharmacopoeias, 2017 (official 2018).
OpenChemWorks Laboratory · Reviewed by the laboratory director, PhD chemist · Published September 23, 2026