Robotic Automation for Pesticide Analysis

Tentamus Agriparadigma, an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, has introduced a robotic system into its analytical workflow for the purification of food samples intended for pesticide residue testing.

The investment represents another important step in the laboratory’s ongoing commitment to automation, analytical quality and operational efficiency. Each year, Tentamus Agriparadigma processes more than 40,000 samples according to EN 15662, the European reference standard for multi-residue pesticide analysis in food.

Automated sample preparation for GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis
The robotic system fully automates the dSPE (dispersive solid-phase extraction) purification process and the subsequent dilution steps required during sample preparation.

For each sample, the system produces two ready-to-use vials: one optimized for GC-MS/MS analysis and the other for LC-MS/MS analysis. Together, the two analytical techniques enable the laboratory to cover the complete multi-residue spectrum required by current standards.

Greater efficiency and repeatability
With a processing capacity of up to 120 samples per day, the robotic system supports the laboratory in maintaining high analytical throughput while reducing preparation times compared with a fully manual process.

Automation also significantly reduces operator-dependent variability during some of the most critical stages of sample preparation. This improves process repeatability and contributes to greater reliability of analytical results.

The benefits extend across the entire workflow, helping to reduce reanalysis rates and the risk of systematic errors while increasing both data quality and overall operational efficiency.

Quality supported by ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
Tentamus Agriparadigma operates under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international standard defining the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

The integration of robotic automation into the analytical workflow is fully embedded within the laboratory’s quality management system, further strengthening the traceability, documentation and control of the pesticide residue testing process.

By combining advanced analytical technologies, automation and accredited quality systems, Tentamus Agriparadigma continues to enhance its capabilities in food safety testing and provide reliable analytical results to its customers.