QuEChERS Supplies

Agilent QuEChERS Dispersive Kits & Extraction Tubes

Streamlined QuEChERS sample preparation for multiresidue pesticide and contaminant analysis across food, feed, and environmental matrices.

Agilent QuEChERS

Agilent QuEChERS products deliver streamlined, reproducible sample preparation for multiresidue pesticide and contaminant analysis across food, feed, and environmental matrices. Designed to support high-throughput laboratories, Agilent’s QuEChERS workflow combines efficient extraction salts with optimized dispersive SPE (dSPE) cleanup to produce reliable recoveries and reduced matrix effects for LC/MS and GC/MS analysis.

Chrom Tech supplies a complete range of Agilent QuEChERS extraction tubes and QuEChERS dispersive kits, engineered to meet AOAC and EN methodologies while maintaining lot-to-lot consistency and performance validation.

QuEChERS Extraction Tubes

Agilent QuEChERS extraction tubes contain precisely measured buffering salts and partitioning agents to ensure effective analyte extraction from complex matrices. Available in original, AOAC, and EN formulations, these tubes promote rapid phase separation and consistent analyte recovery.

  • Pre-weighed salt formulations for method compliance (AOAC / EN)
  • Optimized buffering systems to maintain analyte stability
  • Validated performance for pesticide, veterinary drug, and contaminant screening

QuEChERS Dispersive SPE (dSPE) Kits

Following extraction, Agilent QuEChERS dispersive kits provide targeted matrix cleanup using combinations of PSA, C18, GCB, Z-Sep, and other sorbents. These dSPE formats minimize co-extractive interferences, reduce ion suppression, and improve chromatographic performance in LC/MS and GC/MS workflows.

  • Matrix-specific sorbent blends for fruits, vegetables, grains, and fatty samples
  • Reduced pigment, lipid, and organic acid interference
  • Compatible with high-throughput food safety and regulatory laboratories

Designed for Modern Multiresidue Workflows

Agilent QuEChERS solutions are developed to integrate seamlessly with LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS systems, supporting sensitive detection limits and regulatory compliance requirements worldwide. Controlled manufacturing and quality testing ensure reproducibility across batches, helping laboratories maintain method validation and accreditation standards.

As an authorized Agilent distributor, Chrom Tech provides expert guidance in selecting the correct extraction and cleanup configuration based on matrix type, regulatory method, and instrument platform.

Step 1: Extraction:

Part #
Product
Method
Buffered
Tube / Pack
Contents
Notes
QuEChERS Extraction Tubes
5982-5755CH Extraction Tube AOAC 2007.01 Yes 50 mL / 50-pk 6 g MgSO4; 1.5 g NaAcetate CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5550CH Extraction Tube Original (10 g samples) No 50 mL / 50-pk 4 g MgSO4; 1 g NaCl CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5555CH Extraction Tube Original (15 g samples) No 50 mL / 50-pk 6 g MgSO4; 1.5 g NaCl CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5650CH Extraction Tube EN 15662 Yes 50 mL / 50-pk 4 g MgSO4; 1 g NaCl; 1 g NaCitrate; 0.5 g disodium citrate sesquihydrate CH = ceramic homogenizers
Ceramic Homogenizers
5982-9313 Ceramic Homogenizers 50 mL / 100-pk For 50 mL tubes
5982-9311 Ceramic Homogenizers 2 mL / 100-pk For 2 mL tubes

Step 2: Dispersive SPE Cleanup

Part #
Kit / Application
Method
Size
Unit
Kit Contents
Notes
EMR Lipid Cleanup
5982-1010 EMR—Lipid dSPE 15 mL 1 g EMR material
5982-0102 EMR—Lipid Polish Pouch 15 mL 50/pk Anhydrous MgSO4
General Fruits & Vegetables (removes polar organic acids, some sugars and lipids)
5982-5022 General fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5022CH General fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5021 General fruits & vegetables EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5021CH General fruits & vegetables EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5058 General fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 1200 mg MgSO4
5982-5058CH General fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 1200 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5056 General fruits & vegetables EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 900 mg MgSO4
5982-5056CH General fruits & vegetables EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 900 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
Fruits & Vegetables with Fats & Waxes (removes polar organic acids, some sugars, more lipids and sterols)
5982-5122 Fruits & veg with fats & waxes AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 50 mg C18EC; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5122CH Fruits & veg with fats & waxes AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 50 mg C18EC; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5121 Fruits & veg with fats & waxes EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 25 mg C18EC; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5121CH Fruits & veg with fats & waxes EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 25 mg C18EC; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5158 Fruits & veg with fats & waxes AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 400 mg C18EC; 1200 mg MgSO4
5982-5158CH Fruits & veg with fats & waxes AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 400 mg C18EC; 1200 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5156 Fruits & veg with fats & waxes EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 150 mg C18EC; 900 mg MgSO4
5982-5156CH Fruits & veg with fats & waxes EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 150 mg C18EC; 900 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
Pigmented Fruits & Vegetables (removes pigments; not for planar pesticides)
5982-5222 Pigmented fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 50 mg GCB; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5222CH Pigmented fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 2 mL 100/pk 50 mg PSA; 50 mg GCB; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5221 Pigmented fruits & vegetables EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 25 mg GCB; 150 mg MgSO4
5982-5221CH Pigmented fruits & vegetables EN 15662 2 mL 100/pk 25 mg PSA; 25 mg GCB; 150 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5258 Pigmented fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 400 mg GCB; 1200 mg MgSO4
5982-5258CH Pigmented fruits & vegetables AOAC 2007.01 15 mL 50/pk 400 mg PSA; 400 mg GCB; 1200 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
5982-5256 Pigmented fruits & vegetables EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 150 mg GCB; 885 mg MgSO4
5982-5256CH Pigmented fruits & vegetables EN 15662 15 mL 50/pk 150 mg PSA; 150 mg GCB; 885 mg MgSO4 CH = ceramic homogenizers
Key Definitions
QuEChERS
An acronym for Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe, QuEChERS is a widely adopted sample preparation technique used primarily for multiresidue pesticide and contaminant analysis in food and environmental matrices.
QuEChERS Extraction Tubes
Pre-filled centrifuge tubes containing measured salts and buffering agents that facilitate liquid–liquid partitioning of analytes from complex matrices prior to cleanup and instrumental analysis.
Dispersive SPE (dSPE)
A cleanup technique in which sorbent materials are added directly to the extract to remove matrix interferences such as lipids, pigments, sugars, and organic acids prior to LC/MS or GC/MS analysis.
AOAC Method
A QuEChERS buffering formulation aligned with AOAC Official Methods, typically using acetate buffering salts to maintain pH control during pesticide extraction.
EN Method
A European Norm (EN 15662) QuEChERS buffering system using citrate salts to maintain controlled pH conditions and improve stability for base-sensitive pesticides.
Matrix Effects
Signal enhancement or suppression caused by co-extracted compounds in complex samples, which can impact quantitation accuracy in LC/MS and GC/MS workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AOAC and EN QuEChERS methods?
AOAC QuEChERS methods typically use acetate buffering salts, while EN (European Norm 15662) methods use citrate buffering systems. The EN method often provides improved stability for base-sensitive pesticides and is widely used in European regulatory workflows. Selection depends on the validated method your laboratory follows.
When should I use dispersive SPE (dSPE) cleanup?
dSPE cleanup is used after extraction to remove matrix interferences such as lipids, pigments, sugars, and organic acids. It reduces matrix effects in LC/MS and GC/MS analysis and improves method robustness, particularly for complex food and agricultural samples.
Are Agilent QuEChERS kits compatible with LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS?
Yes. Agilent QuEChERS extraction tubes and dispersive kits are validated for multiresidue workflows using LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS systems. Proper sorbent selection ensures reduced ion suppression and improved chromatographic performance.
How do I choose the correct dSPE sorbent combination?
Sorbent selection depends on the sample matrix. PSA removes organic acids and sugars, C18 targets lipids, GCB removes pigments, and specialty sorbents such as Z-Sep improve cleanup of fatty or complex samples. The correct combination should align with your validated regulatory method and matrix type.
Can QuEChERS be used for matrices other than fruits and vegetables?
Yes. While originally developed for fruits and vegetables, QuEChERS methods are widely adapted for grains, dairy, meat, environmental samples, and other complex matrices. Method adjustments and sorbent selection are critical to maintaining recovery and minimizing matrix effects.