PROJECT SUMMARY The Iron and Heme Core, created through the NIDDK sponsored Center for Iron and Heme Disorders (CIHD), provides analysis of metals (primarily iron), porphyrins, porphyrin precursors and heme. The core also measures activity of the enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Analysis and absolute quantitation of these pathway intermediates or enzyme activities in cells, tissue, whole blood, urine and feces is available to laboratories nationally. This core is central for many labs that measure these enzyme activities, compounds & metals in a diverse range of experimental systems. The need for this core is borne out by the fact that it has served more than 34 different laboratories from 20 research institutions in the past four years via its recharge system. This core has assayed more than 4000 samples during this time. CIHD investigators are provided priority access to these services. Core staff members are also available to host training sessions to assist researchers at all levels in experimental design to leverage the most from Core established methods. We share our protocols on the CIHD website providing consistency, validation and quality control within our field of research. The unique services the Iron and Heme Core offers has become a national resource.