Quantitative Analysis of 210 Veterinary Drugs in Organ Meat Using the Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS

Importance of the Topic

Animal organ tissues can accumulate veterinary drug residues, posing food safety risks. Sensitive, high-throughput methods are required to screen multiple chemical classes in complex matrices for regulatory compliance.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study evaluates the Agilent Comprehensive Veterinary Drug dynamic MRM (dMRM) Solution combined with a streamlined sample preparation protocol to quantitatively analyze 210 veterinary drug targets across over 28 chemical classes in chicken kidney and liver. Key aims include:

• Implement a single-cartridge extraction and purification workflow
• Develop a fast liquid chromatography separation
• Assess method performance using matrix-matched calibration and spiked quality control samples
• Demonstrate sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effects

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• Homogenize 2.0 g aliquots of chicken kidney or liver
• Use a single-cartridge protocol for multiclass extraction and cleanup
• Apply a 10× dilution factor prior to analysis

Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry:

• Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC system with multiwash function to reduce fouling
• InfinityLab Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column for fast gradient separation
• Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS operating in dMRM mode for targeted detection

Main Results and Discussion

Sensitivity and Linearity:

• LOD ≤ 5 µg/kg for over 95% of analytes
• Linear calibration curves (R² > 0.99) achieved for all 210 targets in kidney and 206 in liver

Precision and Accuracy:

• Retention time RSD < 0.6% and response RSD < 20% for 209–210 targets
• Accuracy within 70–120% for 208–210 targets across matrices

Recovery and Repeatability:

• 60–120% recovery for 189–195 targets; most intrabatch repeatability RSD ≤ 20%
• Certain compounds exhibited lower recovery or repeatability due to matrix interference

Matrix Effects and MRL Screening:

• Negligible to moderate matrix effects for 90% of 91 AOAC MRL targets
• Efficient MRL-based screening demonstrated for regulatory analytes

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-throughput, single-method analysis reduces time and resource requirements
• Comprehensive multiclass coverage supports routine regulatory monitoring
• Robust performance across complex organ meat matrices ensures reliable quantitation

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 1290 Infinity II Liquid Chromatograph
• Agilent InfinityLab Poroshell 120 EC-C18 Column (695575-302)
• Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS System

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Expansion to additional food matrices such as milk, seafood, and muscle tissue
• Integration of automated sample preparation and data processing workflows
• Adaptation to high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-targeted screening
• Development of real-time monitoring tools and portable devices

Conclusion

The Agilent dMRM solution enables sensitive, accurate, and precise quantitation of 210 veterinary drugs in chicken kidney and liver with streamlined sample preparation and fast LC/MS analysis. The method meets regulatory requirements and supports efficient routine screening in food safety laboratories.

References

1. Agilent Technologies. Comprehensive Veterinary Drug dMRM Solution workflow guide, 2020.
2. Agilent Technologies. Quantitative Screening of Multiclass Veterinary Drugs in Meat using Agilent 6470 LC/MS, 2020.
3. Agilent Technologies. Quantitative Screening of Veterinary Drugs in Seafood using Agilent 6470 LC/MS, 2020.
4. Agilent Technologies. Screening of Multiresidue Veterinary Drugs in Milk and Egg using Agilent 6495C LC/MS, 2021.
5. AOAC Official Methods of Analysis. Guidelines for Standard Method Performance Requirements, Appendix F, 2016.
6. AOAC. Screening and Identification Method for Regulated Veterinary Drug Residues in Food, Version 7, 2018.