Confirmation of Sample Identity During Worklist Execution

Significance of the topic

This summary outlines a workflow that integrates barcode based sample tracking with high performance LC/MS analysis to ensure accurate pesticide quantification in hemp products. Reliable sample identification minimizes mix ups, supports regulatory compliance, and reduces the risk of costly recalls and reputational damage.

Objectives and study overview

The study demonstrates how the Agilent InfinityLab Sample ID Reader coupled with an Agilent 1290 Infinity III LC system and MassHunter software can confirm sample identity during the analysis of pesticides in hemp seed and hemp leaf tea. Key aims include eliminating manual errors during sequence setup and validating method performance for regulated pesticide residues.

Methodology and instrumention

• Autosampler and barcode reader: Agilent 1290 Infinity III Multisampler with InfinityLab Sample ID Reader
• Chromatography: InfinityLab Poroshell 120 Phenyl Hexyl column using a gradient of ammonium formate with formic acid and methanol/acetonitrile
• Mass spectrometry: Agilent Ultivo Triple Quadrupole LC/MS with Jet Stream source, dynamic MRM, positive and negative modes, unit mass resolution
• Software: Agilent MassHunter Acquisition v12.2, Qualitative Analysis v12.0, Quantitative Analysis v12.1
• Sample preparation: acetonitrile extraction of hemp matrix, C18 SPE cleanup, 250 fold dilution, spiking at 50 ppb for recovery studies

Main results and discussion

Calibration curves for 120 pesticide targets achieved linearity coefficients above 0.999 and limits of quantification below 5 ppb in hemp matrix. The barcode reader accurately flagged matched and mismatched vials in the worklist, allowing prompt correction without reanalysis. Fipronil recovery in hemp leaf tea at a nominal 50 ppb spike was 97 6 percent, meeting Health Canada reporting requirements, with no detectable carryover in blank samples.

Benefits and practical applications

• Automated confirmation of sample identity minimizes sequence setup errors
• Prevents repeat analyses and saves labor
• Ensures confidence in compliance reporting for regulated pesticide limits
• Enhances laboratory throughput and data integrity

Future trends and possibilities

Extending barcode based tracking to other sample types and integrating with laboratory information management systems will enable real time monitoring and audit trails. Advances in data matrix coding, instrument networking, and machine learning for error prediction promise further gains in efficiency and reliability.

Conclusion

The combination of the Agilent InfinityLab Sample ID Reader, 1290 Infinity III LC system, and MassHunter software provides a robust solution for confirming sample identity and achieving precise pesticide quantification in hemp products. This approach strengthens data integrity and streamlines workflows in regulated testing laboratories.

Reference

1. Health Canada Pest Control Products Act Government of Canada 2002 c 28
2. Roy J F Deckers C Honnold R Stone P Hitchcock J Macherone A Geiling B Young S A Sensitive and Robust Workflow to Measure Residual Pesticides and Mycotoxins from the Canadian Target List in Dry Cannabis Flower Agilent Technologies application note 2020
3. Coughlin Insurance Services Top Food Recalls Impact and Industry Insights
4. FoodSafetyTech The True Costs You Endure During a Food Recall
5. New Food Magazine Contamination Recalls Cost Money
6. Eden Green Technology Food Recall Costs
7. Agilent Confirmation of Sample Position technical overview publication number 5994-7568EN 2024
8. Agilent Sample Position Identification and Measurement Confirmation technical overview publication number 5994-7569EN 2025
9. Agilent White paper publication number 5994-7570EN 2024