6
Expanded Productivity
The total cycle time of the analytical runs was 30 minutes,
which allowed the throughput of two samples per hour
and resulted in a load of up to 48 samples, including QC
checks during the day for the control of more than 200
pesticide compounds in each run.
This expanded productivity was a combined result of the
TSQ 8000 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system with its
enhanced analyte selectivity in matrix samples, the high
method and system robustness, and the advanced data
processing using TraceFinder software. Pesticide peaks
were typically baseline-separated with a high signal-to-noise
ratio allowing for an accurate automated area integration
with significantly reduced manual control required. A
number of quality control parameters within TraceFinder
software immediately provided visible flagging for
compounds that may need manual attention. Automatic
ion ratio checks provided a fast and solid confirmation in
the case of positive findings. The high processing speed of
TraceFinder software provided for multi-residue analysis
and quick and comprehensive reporting for each sample.
Conclusion
The TSQ 8000 GC-MS/MS delivered high sensitivity and
matrix selectivity for routine pesticide analysis even in
difficult matrix samples. The data acquisition using the
unique timed-SRM allowed for the detection of a virtually
unlimited number of pesticide compounds in one run
without sacrificing the high sensitivity for individual
compounds. Quantitative calibrations were performed in
a standard matrix and showed excellent linearity and
precision over the relevant concentration range to control
the regulated MRL levels.
The high matrix selectivity of the TSQ 8000 system
allowed for reduced sample preparation, providing high
recoveries for a wide range of chemically diverse pesticide
compounds. The very high matrix selectivity delivered low
chemical matrix background with well-defined pesticide
peaks that were safe and easy to integrate, thus eliminating
the need for time-consuming manual baseline corrections.
Positive pesticide compound signals were confirmed by
TraceFinder software checking the calibrated ion ration
of the two monitored SRM transitions.
The TSQ 8000 GC-MS/MS system is well prepared for
routine analysis and provides high robustness of the
chromatographic system and ion source, thus reducing
the need for frequent maintenance and avoiding system
downtime for high sample throughput and productivity.
The system is easy to use, durable, and robust even with
the most challenging sample types and is fully automated
in sampling capabilities to found and not-found report
generation.
References
1. SANCO Document N° SANCO/12495/2011, Method
Validation and Quality Control Procedures for Pesticide
Residue Analysis in Food and Feed, Implemented by
01/01/2012.
2. Codex Alimentarius
/
pesticides/jsp/pest-q-e.jsp)
3. Pesticide determination according to
§
64 LFGB L
00.00-34 (German legislation) Modul E9 (ASE); GPC
4. Pesticide Method Reference, 2nd Edition, 2011
Thermo Fisher Scientific, p/n 120390.
