Fera has Thirty triple quadrupole mass spectrometer instruments (MS/MS or QqQ-MS), residing in the Thomson Suite, one of the largest custom built state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities in the UK. These are used in combination with both gas and liquid chromatography (GC, LC) to confidently identify and quantify substances to parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations and below. The superior detail and therefore accuracy of these intruments allow Fera to provide confident analysis of all samples we test.

Quadrupole MS is used extensively within testing at Fera. It enables efficiencies offered through multi-residue methods, which give extensive advantages within residue analysis. The large amounts of residues that can be identified and quantified further improve the overall chemical snapshot Fera can take of samples, leading to improved results, both in terms of clarity and completeness.

These efficiencies are passed to the consumer, by building an extensive picture of samples and giving the opportunity to conduct more targeted analysis of certain residues, such as quantification.

Through our innovative detection methods we can build up a snapshot of your samples, as often multiple substances are detected by each method. For example our LC-MS/MS pesticide method can detect and quantify approximately 340 residues in a single sample extract. We use these methods to build up the full picture, giving you the information you need to maintain or update your quality control methods.