QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) is a widely used sample preparation method originally developed by the USDA in 2003. It was designed to improve the analysis of fruits and vegetables by making the process more efficient. Over the years, QuEChERS has evolved into a versatile method applied across various agricultural domains. Today, it is used for detecting pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, and other contaminants in the entire food supply chain.
Applications of QuEChERS
Although initially developed for fruits and vegetables, QuEChERS is now used in various food matrices, including meat, fish, milk, cereals, grains, wines, and juices. This adaptability makes it a preferred method for food safety analysis.
The QuEChERS Process
The method involves three simple steps:
- Liquid Micro-Extraction – Extracts the target compounds using minimal solvents.
Solid-Phase Clean-Up – Removes unwanted substances like pigments and fats.
Analysis – Uses LC/MS/MS or GC/MS to detect contaminants.
This efficient approach allows a single analyst to process 20 samples in under an hour, significantly improving laboratory productivity. Additionally, QuEChERS achieves exceptional accuracy, with recoveries between 90-110% and RSDs below 5%.
Key Extraction and Clean-Up Reagents
Magnesium Sulfate – Aids in extraction and acts as a drying agent.
Sodium Citrate – Buffers extraction to prevent pH-sensitive analyte degradation.
Sodium Chloride – Helps in “salting out” polar compounds.
PSA, C18, and Graphitized Carbon Black – Remove organic acids, lipids, and pigments.
Innovative QuEChERS Formats
To meet different lab requirements, QuEChERS is available in:
Centrifuge Tubes – Pre-packed with extraction salts.
Mylar Pouches – Single-use packets for convenience.
Push-Thru Cartridges – Quick clean-up without centrifugation.
With its efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, QuEChERS has become an essential tool for food safety analysis worldwide.
