{"id":24221,"date":"2025-06-18T09:17:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T01:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocker.com.tw\/?post_type=application&p=24221"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:36:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T03:36:45","slug":"quechers-en","status":"publish","type":"application","link":"https:\/\/www.rocker.com.tw\/en\/application\/quechers-en\/","title":{"rendered":"QuEChERS"},"content":{"rendered":"

QuEChERS: Optimizing Sample Preparation<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In the field of chemical analysis, sample preparation is a critical step in the analytical workflow. Its primary goal is to effectively isolate target analytes from complex sample matrices, eliminate interfering substances, and concentrate the sample when necessary. This ensures the accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility of subsequent instrumental analysis. Sample preparation typically accounts for over 60% of the total analysis time, making its efficiency and effectiveness directly influential to analytical outcomes. When analyzing trace or ultra-trace levels of toxic substances, matrix effects become a significant factor affecting results. Therefore, optimizing sample preparation techniques is essential to overcoming these challenges.<\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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What is QuEChERS?<\/a>
\nPrinciple and Workflow of QuEChERS<\/a>
\nThe Role of Shaking and Mixing in Extraction Efficiency: Why Choose a Tube Vortex Mixer?<\/a>
\nOther Extraction Methods<\/a>
\nCommonly Used QuEChERS Standards Worldwide<\/a>
\nFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/a>What is QuEChERS?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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QuEChERS is an efficient sample preparation technique based on dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE). The name is an acronym that reflects its six core features: Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe\u2014pronounced like \u201ccatchers.\u201d The method was first introduced at the European Pesticide Residue Workshop (EPRW) in 2002 and officially published in 2003.<\/p>\n

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The Six Core Features of QuEChERS:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Quick<\/strong>: Sample preparation can usually be completed within 30\u201360 minutes, greatly reducing processing time. It is more than four times faster than traditional methods, significantly increasing lab throughput.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Easy<\/strong>: The procedure is simple and intuitive, minimizing human error and lowering the required skill level of operators.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Cheap<\/strong>: It drastically reduces the use of organic solvents and laboratory consumables\u2014up to 95% lower material costs compared to traditional methods.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Effective<\/strong>: Offers high recovery rates and effectively minimizes matrix effects, ensuring accurate analytical results.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Rugged<\/strong>: Tolerant to minor variations in operating conditions, providing high stability and reproducibility.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Safe<\/strong>: Reduced use of organic solvents and less waste generation lowers exposure risks for lab personnel and minimizes environmental impact.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Originally developed for pesticide residue analysis in fruits and vegetables, QuEChERS has proven to be highly versatile for extracting and purifying analytes from complex matrices due to its strong stability and broad applicability. As a result, it is now widely used to extract various analytes and contaminants such as animal drug residues, mycotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). QuEChERS has been adopted as a standardized method by international organizations such as AOAC International and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), with notable examples including AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662:2008.<\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Principle and Workflow of QuEChERS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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    QuEChERS combines liquid-liquid microextraction and the salting-out effect to transfer target analytes from the sample matrix into an organic solvent for extraction. This is followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) to remove interfering substances, achieving efficient purification.<\/p>\n

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    1. Sampling and Pre-treatment<\/strong>: The sample is crushed and homogenized using a blender or homogenizer to increase surface area and enhance extraction efficiency.<\/li>\n
    2. Extraction<\/strong>: An extraction solvent\u2014typically acetonitrile\u2014is added along with extraction salts. The mixture is vigorously shaken to transfer target analytes from the matrix into the organic phase. It is then subjected to high-speed centrifugation to separate the analytes into the supernatant.<\/li>\n
    3. Clean-up<\/strong>: A clean-up sorbent is added to the supernatant, followed by further shaking and centrifugation. Interfering substances bind to the sorbent and precipitate out.<\/li>\n
    4. Analysis<\/strong>: The purified supernatant can be concentrated and reconstituted before qualitative and quantitative analysis using advanced instruments such as HPLC, LC-MS\/MS, or GC-MS\/MS.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      <\/a>The Role of Shaking and Mixing in Extraction Efficiency: Why Choose a Tube Vortex Mixer?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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      In the QuEChERS method, thorough shaking and mixing of the sample with the extraction solvent and salts is a critical step to ensure efficient extraction of analytes from complex matrices. A tube vortex mixer offers several advantages, including:<\/p>\n

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      1. Enhanced Extraction Efficiency<\/strong>:

        \nIntense shaking promotes the transfer of target molecules from the aqueous phase to the organic phase, maximizing extraction efficiency.<\/li>\n
      2. Improved Reproducibility and Reduced Human Error<\/strong>:

        \nHand-shaking can vary due to operator fatigue or differences in technique, which affects reproducibility. A vortex mixer ensures consistent and uniform shaking conditions across all samples, significantly improving the reliability of results.<\/li>\n
      3. Better Matrix Disruption and Mixing<\/strong>:

        \nAccording to research by Oliveira, L. G., et al., using a ceramic homogenizer at this step enhances sample homogenization, increasing the reaction surface area. This is particularly beneficial for viscous samples or analytes encapsulated within cells.<\/li>\n
      4. Time and Labor Savings with Higher Throughput<\/strong>:

        \nManual shaking of large sample batches is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In contrast, a vortex mixer can process multiple samples simultaneously, boosting efficiency and throughput while significantly reducing manual workload.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
        \u00a0<\/td>\nTornado 100
        \nMulti-Tube Vortex Mixer<\/td>\n        		High Speed Dispersing<\/td>\nHand Shaking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Shaking Method<\/td>\nInnovative 3D Shaking<\/td>\nVertical Up-and-Down Vibration<\/td>\nManual Intense Shaking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Shaking Speed<\/td>\nUp to 3000 rpm<\/td>\nUp to 1750 rpm<\/td>\nDepends on Operator<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Extraction Efficiency<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nModerate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Reproducibility<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Throughput<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Labor Intensity<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Safety<\/td>\nYes, with Protective Lid<\/td>\nYes, with Protective Lid<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Weight<\/td>\nMedium (approx. 12 kg)<\/td>\nHeaviest (approx. 50 kg)<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Dimensions<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nLarge<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Equipment Cost<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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        The table below presents the results of animal drug test from Laboratory P. Spiked recovery tests were performed using chicken as the sample matrix. Both the Tornado 100 and a traditional high-speed dispersing device were applied for sample preparation, followed by LC-MS\/MS analysis to determine the spiked concentrations.<\/p>\n

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        \u00a0<\/td>\nAnalyte Name<\/td>\nHigh-Speed Dispersing
        \nRecovery Rate (%)<\/td>\n        		Tornado 100
        \nRecovery Rate (%)<\/td>\n        		RPDa<\/sup>
        \n(%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        1<\/td>\nAmoxicillin<\/td>\n88<\/td>\n85<\/td>\n3.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        2<\/td>\nAmpicillin<\/td>\n91<\/td>\n87<\/td>\n4.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        3<\/td>\nCefalexin<\/td>\n94<\/td>\n90<\/td>\n4.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        4<\/td>\nCefazolin<\/td>\n86<\/td>\n88<\/td>\n2.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        5<\/td>\nCefotaxime<\/td>\n89<\/td>\n97<\/td>\n8.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        6<\/td>\nCephapirin<\/td>\n88<\/td>\n87<\/td>\n1.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        7<\/td>\nDesacetyl cefapirin<\/td>\n97<\/td>\n88<\/td>\n9.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        8<\/td>\nNafcillin<\/td>\n86<\/td>\n84<\/td>\n2.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        9<\/td>\nPenicillin V<\/td>\n83<\/td>\n82<\/td>\n1.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        10<\/td>\nPiperacillin<\/td>\n91<\/td>\n98<\/td>\n7.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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        The table shows that the Relative Percent Difference (RPD) between the Tornado 100 and the high-speed dispersing device is within \u00b110% for all analytes, indicating that the mixing performance of the Tornado 100 is comparable to that of the original equipment.<\/p>\n

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        The QuEChERS Vortex Solution to Replace Manual Shaking<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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        ROCKER Tornado 100 Multi-Tube Vortex Mixer<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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