Application Notes

Application Notes

AppNote 210: Automating the Preparation of Matrix Matched Calibration Standards for the Analysis of Food Contaminants by LC-MS/MS

Abstract

The manual preparation of calibration standards and QC samples is part of the daily activities of laboratories that analyze food samples for contaminants. The accurate and precise transfer of liquid standards and solutions is critical for ensuring the validity of the analytical results. Automating the accurate transfer of liquid standards and solutions helps to improve the quality of the analytical procedure while freeing the analyst from a manually tedious task.

In the work presented here, matrix matched calibration standards were prepared automatically by a robotic autosampler commonly used for sample introduction in GC/MS or LC/MS. The resulting precision and accuracy data from calibration curves and QC sample analysis in example food commodities are provided. Accuracy and precision for QC samples were found to be: 97.4 % and 4.25 % (Apples), 100 % and 8.4 % (Pears), 97.7 % and 3.96 % (Sweet Potatoes), 95.7 % and 3.59 % (Green Beans), 98.2 % and 2.79 % (Carrots), (96.8 % and 3.34 % (Beef) and 97.6 % and 4.31 % (Turkey). Data is provided showing the use of an automated filtration option that enables completely automated preparation of QuEChERS derived food extracts with subsequent analysis by LC/MS/MS.

Keywords

Sample Preparation, High Throughput Lab Automation, Food Safety, Pesticides, LC-MS/MS