Sep 29 2008
Applied Biosystems Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has purchased seven of the company's 4000 QTRAP® Systems for the analysis of potential harmful pesticides in the U.S. food supply. These systems will be deployed at FDA field offices in Jefferson, Ark.; Irvine, Calif.; Lenexa, Kan.; Jamaica, NY; Bothell, Wash.; Atlanta, Ga; and College Park, Md. Applied Biosystems will provide training of on-site FDA staff and will work with the technical personnel to validate methods that will be used to monitor pesticide residues at the seven laboratories.
The 4000 QTRAP system is a specialized mass spectrometer that integrates quantitative and qualitative analysis by combining triple quadrupole and linear ion trap capabilities on the same platform. It is the only system of its kind that provides information to identify and quantify contaminants at trace levels. Mass spectrometry is an advanced scientific technique used to analyze compounds based on their molecular composition. Mass spectrometers scan, identify, and measure the quantity of various substances, including chemical contaminants in food.
The FDA’s criteria for selecting the system required an integrated high performance benchtop hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry) system as well as software that performs automated identification of contaminants. Applied Biosystems met the criteria with the 4000 QTRAP System as part of an integrated solution, which also features Cliquid® Software for Food Testing, an automated software application designed to identify a wide range of contaminants in food.
“Applied Biosystems is looking forward to working with the FDA to help ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply,” said Laura Lauman, president for Applied Biosystems’ proteomics and small molecule division. “The government’s efforts to increase food safety are directly impacted by the accuracy and reproducibility of the scientific information used to conduct the critical analysis that determines whether food is contaminated and a threat to the health of the general public. The 4000 QTRAP System provides a best-in-class workflow for this important task.”
Applied Biosystems is a global leader in the development and commercialization of instrument-based systems, consumables, software and services for the life science market. Through its joint venture with MDS Analytical Technologies, it is a leader in providing complete workflows for the mass spectrometry market, based on industry-leading platforms, software and new application workflows.
For more information about the 4000 QTRAP system and other food contaminant testing solutions from Applied Biosystems/MDS Analytical Technologies, please go to www.appliedbiosystems.com.