QuEChERS Sample Preparation – UCT

QuEChERS Sample Preparation – UCT

The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) method is one of today's most widely used sample preparation techniques for determining pesticide residues, environmental contaminants and other organic compounds using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analytical methods.

QuEChERS products are manufactured by UCT – United Chemical Technologies, a globally recognised company in the field of analytical sample preparation. The UCT QuEChERS portfolio provides a complete, integrated system covering extraction, clean-up and the handling of specific matrix-related challenges.

What does the UCT QuEChERS product range offer?

UCT QuEChERS solutions are pre-measured products with validated formulations, designed to produce clean extracts rapidly and reproducibly while minimising laboratory working time and the risk of errors.

QuEChERS extraction kits

The extraction kits contain pre-dosed salt mixtures that ensure proper phase separation and efficient analyte extraction.

Available:

• for AOAC and EN 15662 (European) methods
• in 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes
• for special applications (e.g. acrylamide, high-fat matrices)

Benefits:

• rapid extraction, excellent recovery
• consistent, laboratory-independent results

Dispersive SPE (dSPE) clean-up solutions

dSPE clean-up is a key step in the QuEChERS method. UCT dSPE tubes contain combinations of different sorbents for the effective removal of matrix components.

Sorbents used:

• PSA – for removing organic acids and sugars
• C18 (endcapped) – for reducing lipids and non-polar components
• GCB (graphitised carbon black) – for removing pigments
• ChloroFiltr – for the selective removal of chlorophyll

The dSPE products are available in configurations optimised for different matrices:

• highly pigmented vegetables and fruits
• high-fat samples (milk, meat, fish, oils)
• cereals, wine, berries

ChloroFiltr – selective chlorophyll removal

ChloroFiltr is UCT's proprietary polymer-based sorbent, specifically designed to remove chlorophyll.

What makes it special?

• 82% reduction in chlorophyll
• does not reduce analyte recovery
• replaces conventional GCB for pigmented samples

Available:

• in dSPE tubes
• in cartridge format
• optimised for different sample quantities

Particularly recommended for:

• spinach, lettuce and herbs
• green leafy plant matrices
• chlorophyll-rich extracts

Cartridge -based SPE clean-up for QuEChERS

UCT QuEChERS cartridge SPE solutions provide more effective clean-up than conventional dispersive SPE, particularly for complex matrices.

Benefits:

• cleaner extracts
• lower background
• improved LC-MS/MS and GC-MS stability
• reduced matrix effects

Cartridge -based SPE is particularly recommended for:

• heavily contaminated samples
• routine analyses where instrument protection is critical

Applications

UCT QuEChERS systems are suitable for a wide range of applications:

• fresh and processed vegetables and fruits
• cereals and cereal-based products
• milk and dairy products
• meat, fish and seafood
• wine, fruit juice
• honey, dietary supplements
• environmental and biological samples

Numerous published application notes and validated methods are available for determining pesticide residues, PAHs, antibiotics, mycotoxins and other contaminants.