Thermo Fisher Scientific Achieves Streamlined Multi-Residue Pesticide Analysis by GC/MS


AUSTIN, Texas (September 18, 2008) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, introduces a new application note that demonstrates its comprehensive range of offerings for the food safety industry and details its unprecedented performance capabilities in the determination of low concentrations of pesticide residues. The application note details sample preparation methodology and instrumentation guidelines to achieve superior pesticide determination with increased accuracy using the Thermo Scientific ITQ 700 ion-trap mass spectrometer. The Thermo Scientific application note entitled "Quick Start-Up for a Modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) Multi-residue Pesticide Analysis in Lettuce by GC/MSn" is available to download free-of-charge at www.thermo.com/gcfoodsafety

Accurate pesticide determination is becoming increasingly complex due to the growing use of relatively low molecular weight pesticides. Successfully identifying these compounds requires careful extraction and powerful instrumentation. Traditional solutions to address the low recoveries of target compounds are ineffective and involve complex, time-consuming steps. When used in combination with the Thermo Scientific FOCUS GC, the ITQ 700 GC/MS achieves an unprecedented average relative standard deviation of 9.7% of four replicate analyses at 50 ng/g and a calculated average limit of detection of 2.7 ng/g in iceberg lettuce, based on eight replicate analyses of 5 ng/g, well below all published Minimum Reporting Limits (MRL).

The elevated injection flow rate provided by the FOCUS GC reduces target compound interaction with the injection port liner, thus minimizing the breakdown of targeted fragile pesticides and increasing result accuracy. In addition, this reduction in breakdown of targeted fragile pesticides permits less frequent replacement of consumables and reduced maintenance down-time. When operated in the MSn mode, the ITQ 700 performs tandem MS functions by injecting ions into the ion trap and destabilizing matrix ions, isolating only the pesticide ions which are then given sufficient energy to further fragment. Through this efficient elimination of detrimental matrix interferences, plus the celebrated capabilities of GC/MS, an enhanced product ion spectrum of the target pesticide is achieved with more accurate results at lower concentrations.

"From routine hardware designed for robust and reliable operation to easy-to-use software catered to individual workflows, Thermo Scientific GC and GC/MS solutions for food safety analyses enhance laboratory functionality," said Eric Phillips, strategic GC and GC/MS market manager for environmental and food safety at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "In addition to effectively monitoring food supplies in accordance to local regulations and requirements, our turn-key approach to routine applications reduces customer costs and improves productivity."

For more information about Thermo Scientific GC and GC/MS food safety solutions, please call +1 800-532-4752, email analyze@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermo.com/gcfoodsafety

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10 billion, we have more than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

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Phone: +1 (408) 965-6022
Email: stephanie.kubina@thermofisher.com

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