HUMAN MILK MINERAL MEASUREMENT (MIREC STUDY)

To measure the concentrations of various components (chloride, fluoride, iron, chromium, arsenic, lead, cadmium) in human milk samples collected from the MIREC cohort. A recent review of human milk composition data from Canada and the United States aiming to identify sources of information for updating the USDA FoodData Central database identified issues regarding the suitability of the existing literature, including that most studies were published prior to 1990, had methodological issues, sample sizes 60% of samples, making the data unreliable for estimating population exposures. New analyses based on optimized techniques are needed. As the MIREC dataset is large, included subjects from 10 study sites in 6 provinces across Canada, and collected detailed data on demographic and health characteristics known to be associated with the composition of human milk, the data from this study will be a valuable contribution to Canadian and International efforts to quantify human milk composition. This will contribute to improved information supporting advice around human milk feeding and formula composition for Canadians. Minimum Requirements Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a Statement of Capabilities that it meets the following minimum requirements: 1. The supplier is required to have experience measuring elements (including toxic and trace metals) in human milk using inductively coupled plasma MS using an Agilent 8800 triple quadrupole MS or equivalent (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35218192/ ). 2. Providing technical support as required. 3. At least Five (5) years of experience measuring and interpreting data related to toxic and trace elements in humans biological samples, including human milk. Contractor’s Obligations Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor must use its own equipment and software for the performance of this Statement of Work. Location of Work, Work site and Delivery Point The work will be completed at the contractor’s facility, by the contractor’s staff, and using the contractor's equipment and consumables. Results and reports will be delivered electronically, remaining biospecimens will be returned to the MIREC Biobank using a method agreed upon by the technical authority and the contractor.