Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced the gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS)/MS Pesticide Residue Analysis Guide, a reference collection developed by Dr. Katerina Mastovska, the head of Excellcon International, LLC., in collaboration with California Department of Food and Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Agilent scientists.

The detailed compendium outlines complete instructions for modifying and re-optimizing analytical methodology and Standard Operating Procedures for analyzing pesticide residue in food. The compendium has also been successfully applied to pesticide GC/MS/MS analysis in drinking water at a state environmental laboratory. It features a complete spectrum of resources for GC/MS/MS analysis, a companion sample preparation procedure and instructions for expanding analytical methods using the Agilent Pesticide and Environmental Pollutant MRM Database.

The new guide provides a recommended rugged GC/MS/MS method for pesticide multi-residue analysis using an Agilent 7000 Triple Quadrupole GC/MS. It also includes practical tips and considerations for method development, optimization, modification and routine use.

It discusses important aspects associated with GC and MS/MS analysis of pesticides, especially when dealing with matrix-related issues, which are largely affected by the chemical composition of the sample extract. For this reason, the guide also covers the basics of sample preparation in pesticide multi-residue analysis with the focus on the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach for which a recommended procedure is also provided.

For more information, please visit www.agilent.com.