Derivatizing amino acids doesn’t have to take hours to do. A more hands-off solution can save your lab hours of prep work. And help you trust your data even more.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_f41f58db04.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_f41f58db04.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">Ever wonder what makes a simple molecule like valine so complicated to measure?Amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—are everywhere. In your food. Body. And even the fertilizers that help grow our food. But measuring these compounds precisely? That’s a classic analytical headache, even for an experienced chromatographer.Ask any lab scientist who’s done amino acid analysis, and they’ll tell you the chromatographic separation isn’t the hard part. The challenge is sample preparation, or everything before the chromatography. Handling toxic reagents. The repeated pipetting. And then timing the derivatization reactions just right.All these manual steps can contribute to lower method precision and data reproducibility.So, what’s the solution? Using a more hands-off approach. You get the same trusted chemical reaction, but your method is now faster, cleaner, and more reliable.Let’s walk through a real-life example of how your lab can derivatize amino acids directly inside the HPLC autosampler needle.<h3>Key takeaways</h3><div><ul><li>Manual derivatization of amino acids is laborious, error-prone, and handling toxic chemicals can pose health hazards to lab staff.</li><li>Automated in-needle OPA/FMOC derivatization of amino acids is a time- and labor-saving approach for HPLC-FLD analysis.</li><li>Reliable method performance, column stability over several hundred injections, and using inexpensive reagents facilitates high sample throughput at low costs per sample for routine laboratories.</li><li>Sample matrices of medium and high complexity (beverages, food, fertilizers) using in-needle derivatization is robust and reproducible.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_2_a906250f79.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids: Illustration showing manual derivatization versus in-needle derivatization." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_2_a906250f79.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="410"><h3>Why does the derivatisation of amino acids still matter when aerosol detectors are an option? The unmatched sensitivity of fluorescence detection compared to evaporative technology.</h3>Most amino acids don’t have double bonds that naturally absorb UV light, meaning your HPLC detector can’t “see” the compounds directly.To solve these visibility issues, chemists use derivatization. The conjugation reaction is brilliant chemistry, facilitating the formation of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/chromatography/chromatography-learning-center/liquid-chromatography-information/hplc-system-components/how-hplc-detectors-work.html">fluorescent derivatives</a> suitable for sensitive and precise analysis.This technique involves reacting amino acids in the solution for analysis with reagents that make the amino acids fluorescent. The most common pair are OPA (ortho-phthaldialdehyde) for primary amino acids and FMOC-Cl (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride) for secondary ones.Now here’s what can go wrong. You measure reagents, mix samples by hand, wait for the reaction, then inject onto your HPLC instrument. Small inconsistencies, such as a few seconds too long or a reagent variation, can mean BIG differences in peak response, method accuracy, and data reproducibility. Removing these inconsistencies is where automated in-needle derivatization comes in.<h3>Let your HPLC autosampler needle handle the not-so-friendly laborious tasks</h3>Switching from manual to automated in-needle derivatization can help make this labor-intensive process easier for everyone in your lab, while improving data consistency and overall lab safety. &nbsp;Here’s how:<div><div><ul><li>Instead of manually preparing reaction mixtures, you can use a compatible instrument, like<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=37&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=vanquish"> Thermo Scientific Vanquish LC Systems</a>, to perform in-needle derivatization.</li><li>And, with the helpful guidance of supporting software, you can automatically mix samples and reagents in the needle, time the reaction more precisely, and inject the derivatized sample onto the column.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_3_5c636b1584.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids: In-needle derivatization of primary and secondary AAs with OPA/MPA and FMOC-Cl reagents for subsequent LC analysis of the fluorescent derivatives. *Borate buffer pH 10, **acetic acid for quenching." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_3_5c636b1584.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="384"><h3>A real-life example showcasing better efficiency, robustness, and throughput capabilities.</h3>What makes this automated workflow stand out isn’t a new reaction—but rather a faster way of working with your HPLC instrument.The reactions between OPA/MPA and FMOC-Cl still happen as before, but now the reaction is controlled digitally through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/cn_003698_hplc_vanquish_workflow_amino_acid_analysis_derivatization_cn003698_na_en_e76e3abe44.pdf">Thermo Scientific Chromeleon Chromatography Data System</a> (CDS).As demonstrated in our whitepaper, each reagent draw, mix, and injection step is defined in a Custom Injection Program (CIP), eliminating timing errors and variability. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Chromeleon CDS</a> visualizes every step in its Instrument Method Editor, tracks parameters in real time, and logs events in the Audit Trail for compliance.And since the workflow design has flexibility in mind, you can use Chromeleon CDS or a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ab_004093_hplc_vanquish_core_amino_acids_needle_derivatization_ab004093_na_en_edb37df857.pdf">third-party software</a>, with identical parameters, which gives your labs the freedom to work within your preferred environment without retraining staff or rewriting SOPs.<h3>Trusting your data and a faster derivatization technique. That’s the science behind putting your sample preparation inside the needle.</h3>The most beneficial part of this workflow is the hours of time your lab and broader QC team will save.<ul><li>Consistent fluorescence response and accurate quantitation for all amino acids</li><li>Excellent injection-to-injection reproducibility, even across reagent batches</li><li>Improved safety through reduced manual solvent handling</li><li>Less hands-on time, freeing analysts for higher-value work</li><li>Seamless CDS integration for full audit traceability</li></ul>So next time you’re pipetting derivatization reagents by hand, secretly wishing there was a better way, why not consider an automated method approach?You get the same chemistry, performed automatically inside the autosampler, hands-free, ready to inject in minutes with reproducible data that you can trust.Learn more about this new automated amino acid analytical workflow in our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/cn_003698_hplc_vanquish_workflow_amino_acid_analysis_derivatization_cn003698_na_en_e76e3abe44.pdf">customer application note today</a>.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_4_341aed0b3a.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids: Chromatographic results of calibration standard (50 µM) measured with the Vanquish Core HPLC system, comparing method performance on 1st and 14th day of measurements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_to_Cut_HPLC_Sample_Preparation_Time_for_Derivatizing_Amino_Acids_4_341aed0b3a.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="384"><h3>Helpful tips to improve method robustness with Vanquish LC Systems+ Chromeleon CDS</h3><ol><li>Use a 100 µL sample loop for thorough and reproducible mixing of the sample and reagents during the derivatization step.</li><li>Install a passive pre-heater to facilitate proper dilution of the reagents before the column.</li><li>Use guard cartridges for your columns and replace the cartridges when column performance diminishes. Apply smart tools like intelligent run control in Chromeleon CDS for automated checks.</li><li>Replace derivatization reagents in your autosampler daily.</li><li>Periodically flush your column with 100% acetonitrile for 30 minutes to remove persistent reaction products and matrices.</li></ol><blockquote>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#AutomatedSamplePreparation #HPLC</blockquote></div></div></div>

How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids

<h3>How long does it actually take to install all the capillaries and fittings on a conventional HPLC system?</h3><h4>The Small Components That Matter Most</h4>When people think about HPLC systems, they often focus on pumps, detectors, columns, or software. Capillaries and fittings are usually seen as minor components because they are relatively inexpensive and physically small. However, every chromatographer eventually discovers that these tiny parts can have a major influence on system performance.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Connecting_a_U_HPLC_system_can_be_difficult_at_some_poorly_accessible_locations_3b837b441b.webp" alt="KNAUER: Connecting a (U)HPLC system can be difficult at some poorly accessible locations" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Connecting_a_U_HPLC_system_can_be_difficult_at_some_poorly_accessible_locations_3b837b441b.webp 208w," sizes="100vw" width="720" height="540">Even decades ago, chromatographers recognized the importance of proper connections. In the 1980s, long before UHPLC became common, John Dolan wrote about minimizing dead volume through correct fitting installation. Today, with UHPLC systems operating at extremely high pressures and using columns with very small particle sizes, dead volume is even less tolerable than before. The topic remains just as relevant today as it was back then.Interestingly, despite what many users assume, the chromatographic column itself is often not the primary source of HPLC or UHPLC problems. In my experience, poor connections are far more commonly responsible for issues such as peak broadening, leaks, or loss of efficiency.<h4>The Early Days of HPLC Capillaries</h4>Anyone who has been working with HPLC for many years will probably remember the era of rigid 1/16" stainless steel tubing. Whenever PEEK tubing was unsuitable, stainless steel capillaries were the standard choice.Setting up a system back then was far from convenient. You first had to locate an appropriate length of tubing somewhere in a drawer full of capillaries. Usually, this meant finding a several-meter-long piece and cutting it yourself using a dedicated capillary cutter. After cutting, you needed to ensure the tubing end was smooth and undamaged, hoping that the previous person using the cutter had not accidentally crushed the inner diameter.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Standard_1_16_Capillary_and_needed_tools_and_the_drawer_we_all_know_pretty_well_943d7ed0b2.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Standard 1/16” Capillary and needed tools and the drawer we all know pretty well" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Standard_1_16_Capillary_and_needed_tools_and_the_drawer_we_all_know_pretty_well_943d7ed0b2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1277" height="456">Once cut, the tubing often required additional preparation. You might need to deburr the capillary using a grater, shape it carefully with bending tools, and then finally install it using separate fittings and ferrules. And of course, everyone remembers the frustration of dropping a ferrule onto the laboratory floor, where it effectively disappeared forever.At the same time, laboratories often accumulated drawers filled with pre-assembled capillaries that had fixed fittings attached. Reusing these assemblies was risky. If the fitting geometry did not perfectly match the receiving port, users could unintentionally introduce dead volume into the system. The result was often degraded chromatographic performance, broad peaks, and frustrating troubleshooting sessions involving the entire laboratory team. In worse cases, excessive force could damage threads or receiving ports while attempting to stop leaks.During that period, assembling and connecting a complete HPLC system could easily consume half a day of work.<h4>The Improvement: Flexible and Pre-Cut Capillaries</h4>Later, laboratories gradually adopted pre-cut tubing and flexible capillaries, which represented a significant improvement over manually preparing stainless steel tubing.With these newer capillaries, users simply selected the correct length and installed the tubing directly. Flexible capillaries adapted naturally to the required shape, eliminating much of the manual bending and shaping work. Installation became faster, easier, and far less stressful.Still, these systems had limitations. Although the capillary itself improved, the fitting technology remained largely unchanged. Many of these capillaries were still effectively single-use components. If a connection was installed incorrectly because the tubing was not fully inserted into the receiving port before tightening, the result was often another unusable capillary destined for the growing “capillary drawer.” Sustainability was certainly not a strong point of these systems.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_A_typical_capillary_drawer_It_was_tricky_to_open_and_close_it_sometimes_530dd2087c.webp" alt="KNAUER: A typical capillary drawer. It was tricky to open and close it sometimes" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_A_typical_capillary_drawer_It_was_tricky_to_open_and_close_it_sometimes_530dd2087c.webp 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="768">Even with these advancements, system setup still required considerable time and effort.<h4>The Real Breakthrough: Modern Tool-Free Connection Systems</h4>A major breakthrough finally arrived when manufacturers introduced a completely redesigned fitting and capillary concept aimed specifically at simplifying UHPLC connections.These newer systems came with fittings pre-installed directly on the capillary. Unlike traditional ferrule-based systems, the fittings automatically adjusted to different port depths and sealed directly at the bottom of the port. This dramatically reduced the amount of torque required and eliminated the need for complicated installation techniques.Perhaps the biggest advantage was convenience. These capillaries could be connected and disconnected more than 100 times without tools, while remaining entirely finger-tight. And best of all, ferrules no longer disappeared onto the laboratory floor.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_The_little_things_that_do_the_click_3a0469d516.jpg" alt="KNAUER: The little things that do the “click”" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_The_little_things_that_do_the_click_3a0469d516.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1866" height="1022">The system I currently use includes an especially useful feature: a patented torque-limiting mechanism that prevents both under-tightening and over-tightening. Once the correct torque is reached, the fitting produces a tactile “click,” providing immediate feedback that the connection is secure and properly installed every time.<h4>From Half a Day to Fifteen Minutes</h4>Thanks to these modern connection systems and pre-configured startup kits, installing an HPLC or UHPLC system today is dramatically faster than it used to be.What once consumed hours of work can now be completed in less than 15 minutes. The improvements in usability, reproducibility, and sustainability over recent years have been remarkable.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Trouble_free_connection_systom_for_HPLC_and_UHPLC_e62b80154b.webp" alt="KNAUER: Trouble-free connection systom for HPLC and UHPLC" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Trouble_free_connection_systom_for_HPLC_and_UHPLC_e62b80154b.webp 221w," sizes="100vw" width="690" height="487"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Trouble_free_connection_systom_for_HPLC_and_UHPLC_2_71c24acdf5.webp" alt="KNAUER: Trouble-free connection systom for HPLC and UHPLC" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Trouble_free_connection_systom_for_HPLC_and_UHPLC_2_71c24acdf5.webp 224w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="1339">And while today’s solutions already represent a huge leap forward, the evolution of HPLC connection technology is certainly not over yet. Looking ahead, it will be exciting to see how future innovations continue to simplify chromatography workflows even further.<blockquote>If you want to learn more about KNAUER´s capillaries, fittings and (U)HPLC system start-up kits and are interested in details and numbers, I highly recommend our brand <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/r75ev6rjivdbid246k60zrs3gjpvwdi5b8em_fad0f92fd9.pdf">new tech note "Benefits of KNAUER´s trouble-free analytical capillaries in terms of HPLC and UHPLC system performance</a>" and a visit to our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2402">products online</a>.</blockquote>

Let´s Connect a whole (U)HPLC system without tools and trouble

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 21, 2026

Article

Product

Application

Science and research

Video

Poster

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Based in Berlin, KNAUER is a medium-sized, owner-managed company that has been serving the sciences since 1962. We develop and manufacture scientific instruments of superior quality for liquid chromatography, including: Analytical HPLC/UHPLC, Preparative HPLC, Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), Multi-column chromatography/Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. High pressure dosing, in-line detection systems, and osmometry are additional business areas.

KNAUER

Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection

Start your analysis with confidence using SureSTART vials, caps, well plates, and kits—offering full compatibility, quality materials, and performance across three levels.

<h4>Streamlined choice. Trusted quality.</h4>Start your analysis with confidence using Thermo Scientific™ SureSTART™ vials, caps, inserts, well plates, mats, and certified kits designed to meet your analytical, regulatory, and performance requirements. With full instrument compatibility, high material quality, and consistent performance across three defined levels, the SureSTART collection offers a smarter way to choose the right sample containment solution for your workflow.<h3>Why choose SureSTART?</h3><ul><li>Proven reliability: Every product is manufactured and certified to meet physical specifications—no weak links in your workflow.</li><li>Clear selection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial.</li><li>Universal compatibility: Designed for seamless integration with all major GC, HPLC/UHPLC, and MS autosamplers across all vendors.</li><li>Certified cleanliness: Products are manufactured using the purest glass and plastics with low extractables and leachables, including GOLD-grade and silanized glass.</li><li>Maximum sample integrity: Minimize analyte loss and background peaks with precision-engineered sealing, surface chemistry, and material composition.</li><li>Bulk savings &amp; simplified inventory: Available in multiple pack sizes, performance levels, and formats to support your lab’s needs and budget.</li></ul><h3>The Three Performance Levels</h3><ul><li>Level 1 – Everyday analysis: For general-purpose GC/HPLC detection (e.g. UV/Vis, FID, RI). These chromatography-approved products are ideal for routine analyses with cost-efficiency in mind.</li><li>Level 2 – High-throughput analysis: Designed for regulated labs requiring robust and reproducible data, especially when using MS detectors for routine quantification.</li><li>Level 3 – High performance: For the most sensitive and selective analyses near the method detection limit. Packed in cleanroom environments and made with ultra-pure materials for maximum sample security and MS compatibility.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1182" height="270"><h3>SureSTART Certified Vial and Cap Kits</h3><ul><li>Specification Certified: Routine analyses – Certified for physical specifications; no individual certificate.</li><li>LC/GC Certified: Chromatography-grade – Tested for 15 physical parameters with LC-UV &amp; GC-FID; certificate included.</li><li>MSCERT: For LC-MS/GC-MS – Certified low-adsorption kits tested with MS; includes SureStop™ vials with AVCS™ caps.</li><li>MSCERT+: For trace-level MS or DIA – Pre-cleaned, tested with LC-MS/GC-MS, and sold only as kits to ensure purity.</li><li>Application Certified: Pre-matched kits for specific instruments or validated applications.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: There are several factors to consider when choosing a vial or well plate for your application. The table below will help guide you through this process to determine what type of product/performance level is most suitable for your application requirements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="1515" height="1159"><h3>SureSTART Well Plates and Mats</h3>Thermo Scientific™ WebSeal™ well plates are ideal for laboratories seeking to increase autosampler capacity, reduce solvent usage, and streamline high-throughput workflows. Available in 96- and 384-well formats, they offer a certified alternative to traditional vials and are fully compatible with automated SPE/SLE platforms.<ul><li>Space-saving efficiency: Replace vials with well plates to increase sample capacity up to 8× and reduce storage footprint.</li><li>Flexible performance levels:<ul><li>Level 1: Standard plates for routine, non-regulated use (GC-tested).</li><li>Level 2: Low-bleed plates and high-performance mats, validated for LC-MS/GC-MS.</li><li>Level 3: Premium WebSeal Plate+ with glass-coated plastic wells—ideal for trace analytes and protein adsorption control.</li></ul></li><li>Solvent stability and clean sample contact: WebSeal Plate+ uses nanolayered silicon dioxide for minimal extractables and ultra-low adsorption.</li><li>Compatible sealing options:<ul><li>Silicone mats: For long-term storage and consistent results.</li><li>Pre-slit mats: For autosampler injection without evaporation or contamination.</li><li>Adhesive seals: For single-use workflows and re-sealing options with cavity protection.</li></ul></li></ul>Whether you work with polar solvents, proteins, or trace-level analyses, SureSTART well plates and sealing accessories help you optimize throughput, precision, and data confidence across all chromatography workflows.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Selecting the perfect Thermo Scientific WebSeal well plates and mats for your chromatography requirements is easy using our selector tools and resources." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="902">

Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits

QuEChERS is a versatile sample preparation method for analyzing pesticides, veterinary drugs, and other residues in various sample types before GC-MS or LC-MS analysis.

<div><div><div><h3>QuEChERS sample preparation—now easier, more convenient, and affordable</h3>QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe)is a sample preparation method that was initially developed in 2003 for analyzing veterinary drugs in food. The method was also tested for pesticide residue analysis in plant material with great success. In 2003, the detailed method was published in the journal AOAC International. Since then, the QuEChERS method has evolved into a sample preparation technique used on a variety of analytes in an expanding number of sample types before analysis by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/cz/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-gc-ms.html">GC-MS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/cz/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-lc-ms.html">LC-MS</a>.Thermo Scientific QuEChERS kits contain pre-packaged, ready-weighed salts, sorbents, and buffers to streamline your workflow and minimize the potential for error. The kits are grouped according to your analytes of interest, sample matrix, and preferred QuEChERS method:<ul><li>Original 2003 Method</li><li>AOAC 2007.01 Method</li><li>EN 15662 Method</li><li>NY/T 1380-2007 Method</li></ul>Complete packages—including both extraction and clean-up kits—are available. Extraction-only and cleanup-only kits are also offered to suit your laboratory’s sample preparation needs. These pre-packaged kits save time and money, make QuEChERS procedures easier and more convenient, and ensure quality to yield reproducible results and excellent recoveries for a wide variety of analytes.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_2_1e99f0c81b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_2_1e99f0c81b.jpg 217w," sizes="100vw" width="891" height="640"><h3>Typical QuEChERS workflow</h3><div><div><div><div><div>As shown in the workflow diagram below, the QuEChERS method has four basic steps:<ol><li>Homogenize sample (fruit or vegetable)</li><li>Extract analytes of interest from a sample using extraction salts (pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, and/or mycotoxins)</li><li>Clean-up the resulting supernatant using dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE)</li><li>Analyze by GC-MS or LC-MS</li></ol><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_496491ceff.jpeg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_496491ceff.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1170" height="706"><div><h3>QuEChERS products</h3></div><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction kits for original 2003 method</h4></div><div>The original QuEChERS method (Anastassiades et al, 2003) was developed by Steven J. Lehotay and Michelangelo Anastassiades in 2003 for the determination of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The original method was created to analyze non-base-sensitive compounds and uses a sodium chloride buffer to reduce polar interferences and enhance extraction. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix. Three different extraction kits are available to support the original 2003 QuEChERS method.<h5>Chemicals used in the original 2003 method</h5></div><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction (SPE) on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaCl: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes residual water from sample; reduces polar interference and enhances extraction</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li></ul><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction and clean-up kits for AOAC 2007.01 method</h4>The AOAC 2007.01 QuEChERS Method was developed by Steven J. Lehotay and his co-workers, who modified the original 2003 method to accommodate the use of acetate buffering at higher concentration for greater buffering strength. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix. These extraction and clean-up products here support the AOAC 2007.01 method.<div><h5>Chemicals used in the AOAC 2007.01 method</h5><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaOAc: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li><li>GCB: Graphitized carbon black, removes pigment (not recommended for use with planar pesticides)</li></ul><div><h4>QuEChERS extraction and clean-up kits for EN 15662 method</h4>The extraction and clean-up products here support the EN 15662 method. Widely used in Europe, the EN 15662 method was developed by Michelangelo Anastassiades and co-workers, who modified the original 2003 method to accommodate the use of citrate buffering at a relatively low buffering capacity. This variation uses a sodium chloride buffer to minimize polar interferences in addition to sodium citrate dihydrate and disodium citrate sesquihydrate buffers. Buffering is an important part of the QuEChERS procedure because it allows for analysis of pesticides and other residues that display pH dependence in their recoveries, depending on the sample matrix.<h5>Chemicals used in the EN 15662 method</h5><ul><li>Acetonitrile: Used to perform single-phase extraction on a sample</li><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>NaCl: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes residual water from sample</li><li>Trisodium Citrate: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>Disodium Citrate Sesquihydrate: Buffers the sample to stabilize pH</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li><li>GCB: Graphitized carbon black, removes pigment (not recommended for use with planar pesticides)</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_3_721562526f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific QuEChERS Sample Preparation Kits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_Sample_Preparation_Kits_3_721562526f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1471" height="488"><div><h4>QuEChERS clean-up kit for NY/T 1380-2007 method</h4></div><div>The NY/T 1380-2007 method is recommended by China Ministry of Agriculture for the QuEChERS Method sample preparation of 51 specific pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables with analysis by GC-MS.<h5>Chemicals used in the NY/T 1380-2007 method</h5><ul><li>Anhydrous MgSO₄: Induces phase separation between water content in sample and acetonitrile layer during liquid-liquid partitioning step; removes remaining water from sample during dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) step</li><li>PSA: Primary secondary amine, used to remove polar matrix components, citric co-extractives, and free fatty acids, from sample during dSPE step</li><li>C18: Removes fats, sterols, and other non-polar interferences from sample</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Products from category Consumables focused on Consumables distributed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (EMEA) - page 1

Related content

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 21, 2026

Let´s Connect a whole (U)HPLC system without tools and trouble

How to Cut HPLC Sample Preparation Time for Derivatizing Amino Acids