Abstract
QuEChERS – A New Sample Preparation Technique for Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides in Foods and Agricultural Samples
This month's installment of "Sample Prep Perspectives" describes a new extraction technique called QuEChERS (standing for quick, easy, cheap, effective, and safe and is pronounced "catchers") for the sample preparation of pesticides in foods and agricultural samples. The technique uses simple glassware, a minimal amount of organic solvent, and various salt/buffer additives to partition analytes into an organic phase for clean-up by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE). The technique provides good recoveries, is reproducible, and costs less than other sample preparation approaches. The technique is being adopted by many laboratories worldwide. It has potential for applications outside of the pesticide in foods area.