How Labs Find Trace Pesticides
Building on the pesticide limits and full panel testing content discussed elsewhere in this publication, the instruments used to find pesticide residues matter, because detecting trace amounts across dozens of compounds takes sophisticated analysis.
The Two Main Approaches
Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Often used for compounds that dissolve well in liquids and break down with heat. It is sensitive and widely used for pesticide panels.
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Suited to compounds that vaporize without breaking down. Many labs use it alongside the first approach to cover the full list of target compounds.
Why Labs Often Use Both
No single method detects every pesticide. Using both extends coverage and helps ensure the analyte list required by a given state is actually measured.
Matrix Matters
Complex products such as oils, edibles, and beverages can interfere with detection, so methods need validation for each product type.
What Buyers Should Ask
- Which analytes are covered, and does the list match your states?
- Is the method validated for your product matrix?
- What are the reporting limits relative to the action limits?
Technical details vary by laboratory, so ask the lab to explain its specific method.
Low Gravity Hemp works with labs that document their methods and coverage. Contact us to review sample reports.
