Foodie Fundamentals

Sponsored by Agilent

Dr. Michael D'Antonio, Quality Control Manager at CWC Labs, discusses the impact of the Agilent Pro iQ single quadrupole LC/MS on improving laboratory efficiency and analytical workflows. One of the most valuable features he highlights is automated dilution, which helps reduce manual effort during sample preparation by streamlining the handling of complex matrices. For smaller laboratories, this level of automation can be especially beneficial, enabling teams to manage both sample preparation and LC/MS analysis more efficiently without significantly increasing staffing requirements.

The transition to the Pro iQ has also improved the lab’s ability to detect low-level analytes, supporting more sensitive measurements compared to traditional HPLC-UV methods. This enhanced sensitivity is important for monitoring food contaminants such as glyphosate and atrazine in line with regulatory expectations set by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the European Commission. While these analyses are typically performed in the low ppb range, the added confidence of mass detection supports more reliable identification and quantitation.

Dr. D'Antonio also notes the flexibility of the system’s multi-mode ion source, which enables the analysis of a broad range of compounds within a single platform. This versatility supports diverse applications, including pesticide screening and cannabinoid analysis, such as CBD and CBDA.

Beyond instrumentation, integration with Agilent OpenLab CDS has further streamlined laboratory operations. Features such as spreadsheet-based sample submission reduce manual data entry, while customizable reporting tools enable the generation of client-ready reports tailored to specific formatting and branding requirements.

Looking ahead, CWC Labs plans to expand the use of this platform into additional application areas, including vitamin analysis, to further support food quality and safety testing.