[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products ProductsApplicationsServicesResourcesSupport [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[Applications](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications)[Analytical Chemistry](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/analytical-chemistry)[Sample Preparation Techniques](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/analytical-chemistry/sample-preparation)QuEChERS Sample Preparation Method # QuEChERS Sample Preparation Method  QuEChERS is a type of dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) used for sample preparation. QuEChERS stands for ‘Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe’. Originally developed to prepare fruit and vegetable samples for pesticide residue analysis, this method is now used to analyze other chemical classes, including PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), and flame retardants. The concept was introduced in 2002 and is now specified in official methods of the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC 2007.01) and European Committee for Standardization (EN 15662:2008).   * * * ## Related Products Slide 1 of 11 1 of 3 [ \ Supelco \ 55237-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55237u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55234-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55234u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55294-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55294u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55278-U \ QuEChERS Shaker and Rack Starter Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55278u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55279-U \ 50 mL QuEChERS Extraction Tube Shaker Rack](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55279u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55437-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55437u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55464-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55464u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55439-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55439u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55466-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55466u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55474-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55474u) Quick View [ \ Supelco \ 55470-U \ Supel™ QuE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/supelco/55470u) Quick View * * * ## Featured Categories [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-sample-preparation/spe-and-quechers) [Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-sample-preparation/spe-and-quechers) Discover our range of solid phase extraction products for rapid and accurate analytical sample preparation to ensure effective and reliable chromatographic analysis. They include SPE cartridges, plates, extraction tubes and dispersive SPE tools, and accessories [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-sample-preparation/spe-and-quechers) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-chromatography/gc-columns-accessories-and-adsorbents) [GC Columns, Accessories & Adsorbents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-chromatography/gc-columns-accessories-and-adsorbents) Achieve superior GC performance with our columns, consumables, and accessories. Explore Supelco® offerings. 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[Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-chromatography/hplc-columns) Overview Related Articles & Protocols Support ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)QuEChERS Sample Extraction Solvent extraction techniques are designed to achieve maximum analyte yield from the base matrix. Analytes of interest are extracted from the sample matrix using water-miscible solvents (usually acetonitrile) and high concentrations of salt and/or buffering agents. Solvent selection is important to minimize compound co-extraction. Salts are used in the extraction step to create phase separation. They act as buffers to adjust the pH and remove water from the sample. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)QuEChERS Cleanup Sample cleanup reduces interference during subsequent analysis, as interference can damage analytical instrumentation and complicate analyte identification and quantification. Unlike traditional sample cleanup methods using SPE tubes, in QuEChERS, cleanup is facilitated by mixing bulk amounts of SPE sorbents with the sample extract. Sorbents used in clean up remove matrix interferences that coextract with analytes of interest. The use of PSA, C18 or GCB (graphitized carbon black) sorbents remove sugars, lipids, sterols, organic acids, proteins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and other pigments prior to a GC-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS analysis. Special Z-Sep sorbents may be needed to cleanup difficult matrices containing pigments or fat. [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) [Looking for More Specific Information?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) Visit our document search for data sheets, certificates and technical documentation. [Find Documents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) ## Related Articles - [Comparison of QuEChERS Products for the Extraction of Planar Pesticides from Spinach](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/planar-pesticides-spinach) Supel™ QuE Verde combines a novel carbon with zirconia coated silica (Z-Sep+) to provide an optimum balance between planar pesticide recovery and color removal. - [Pesticide Residue Analysis in Ginger Powder with QuEChERS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-pesticide-residues-in-ginger-powder) 2-layer SPE cartridge efficiently reduces background for ginger contaminant analysis. - [Supel™ QuE Z-Sep Sorbents for QuEChERS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/quechers) Z-Sep sorbents improve fat and pigment extraction in QuEChERs solid phase extraction for sample preparation. - [Analysis of Active Cannabis Compounds](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-active-cannabis-compounds) HPLC-UV analysis of active compounds in marijuana-infused edibles for potency testing; complex matrix requires precise methods. - [Analysis of Fipronil and Fipronil Sulfone in Eggs, Chicken Meat and Mayonnaise](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-fipronil-and-fipronil-sulfone) A short abstract on a method using QuEChERS and GC/MS/MS for determination of fipronil & fipronil sulfone. - [See All (9)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ## Related Protocols - [Analysis of Active Cannabis Compounds](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-active-cannabis-compounds) HPLC-UV analysis of active compounds in marijuana-infused edibles for potency testing; complex matrix requires precise methods. - [Analysis of Fipronil and Fipronil Sulfone in Eggs, Chicken Meat and Mayonnaise](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-fipronil-and-fipronil-sulfone) A short abstract on a method using QuEChERS and GC/MS/MS for determination of fipronil & fipronil sulfone. - [QuEChERS Method for Pesticide Residue Analysis](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/quechers-method-pesticide-residue-analysis) QuEChERS method for pesticide residue analysis requires only small quantities of solvent and is capable of generating recoveries of 70-120% with RSDs <5% for a wide range of compounds. - [Neonicotinoids Ban: Impact on Plant Material](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/quechers/banned-other-neonicotinoids-plant-material) Analysis of banned neonicotinoid insecticides from dandelion blossoms using QuEChERS and LC-MS. - [See All (9)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ## How Can We Help In case of any questions, please submit a [customer support request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) or talk to our customer service team: Email [custserv@sial.com](mailto:custserv@sial.com) or call +1 (800) 244-1173 ## Additional Support - [Chromatogram Search](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/chromatogram-search) Use the Chromatogram Search to identify unknown compounds in your sample. - [Calculators & Apps](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/calculators-and-apps) Web Toolbox - science research tools and resources for analytical chemistry, life science, chemical synthesis and materials science. - [Customer Support Request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) Customer support including help with orders, products, accounts, and website technical issues. - [FAQ](https://maestro.my.site.com/knowledgeportal/s/) Explore our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services. * * * __Featured Articles__ [Comparison of QuEChERS Products for the Extraction of Planar Pesticides from Spinach](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/planar-pesticides-spinach) Supel™ QuE Verde combines a novel carbon with zirconia coated silica (Z-Sep+) to provide an optimum balance between planar pesticide recovery and color removal. [Pesticide Residue Analysis in Ginger Powder with QuEChERS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-pesticide-residues-in-ginger-powder) 2-layer SPE cartridge efficiently reduces background for ginger contaminant analysis. [Supel™ QuE Z-Sep Sorbents for QuEChERS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/quechers) Z-Sep sorbents improve fat and pigment extraction in QuEChERs solid phase extraction for sample preparation. [Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Pistachios Using QuEChERS Extraction and Cleanup with Supel™ QuE Z-Sep+](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/quechers/analysis-of-pesticide-residues-in-pistachios) Pistachios 45% fat complicates pesticide analysis. But Z-Sep+ sorbent cleanup after QuEChERS extraction can reduce background for reliable results. 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