Preparations before Using Pesticide Residue Detector

The pesticide residue detector, or simply pesticide residue analyzer, works on the basis of sophisticated detection technology such as enzyme inhibition or chromatographic analysis. Whether it's vegetables, fruits, or other agricultural products (like grains or tea), once they've been tested by this instrument, it will immediately be clear whether pesticide residues exceed the national or international standards (e.g., EU, FDA limits). As a professional provider of laboratory and testing equipment, Nanbei Instruments offers high-precision pesticide residue detectors suitable for farms, food processing plants, and testing institutions – ensuring food safety at every step.

What preparations are needed before using pesticide residue tester?

1. Appearance Inspection: Check the instrument (such as Nanbei Instruments' pesticide residue detector) for damage or dents, ensure the display screen functions properly (no flickering or dead pixels), buttons are responsive (no stuck or unresponsive issues), and all connections (power cord, data cable) are secure, without any looseness or detachment.

2. Cleaning: Wipe the instrument surface with a clean, soft cloth (avoid using corrosive cleaners), ensuring it is free of dust and stains. Pay special attention to cleaning critical areas such as the sample inlet and cuvette – use a lint-free swab dipped in pure water to wipe gently, preventing residual impurities from affecting the test results.

3. Calibration: Perform calibration strictly according to the instrument's instruction manual (Nanbei Instruments provides a detailed calibration guide with each detector). Generally, parameters such as wavelength (common 412nm for enzyme inhibition method) and absorbance need to be calibrated using standard solutions. Record calibration data to ensure the measurement accuracy.

4. Warm-up: Turn on the instrument and allow it to warm up for 15-30 minutes (specific time refers to Nanbei Instruments' product manual) to reach a stable operating state. Do not perform testing during the warm-up period, as it may lead to inaccurate results.

5. Accessory Preparation: Prepare all accessories compatible with the instrument, such as disposable sample cups, pipette tips, and cuvettes (provided by Nanbei Instruments or certified third-party suppliers). Ensure they are clean, undamaged, and in normal working order – discard any deformed or contaminated accessories.

6. Reagent Inspection: Check that all required reagents (e.g., enzyme reagent, substrate reagent, chromogenic agent) are available. Confirm the reagent specifications and concentrations meet the testing requirements (match the model of Nanbei Instruments' detector), and that the reagents are within their expiration dates and show no signs of deterioration, discoloration, precipitation, or other abnormalities.

7. Reagent Preparation: Accurately prepare the required reagents according to the testing method (e.g., GB/T 5009.199-2003 for China) and instrument requirements. Use a precision balance (available in Nanbei Instruments' laboratory balance category) to weigh reagents, and ensure the volume of solvent (e.g., phosphate buffer) is accurate with a volumetric flask.

8. Reagent Storage: Store the prepared reagents according to the requirements. Some reagents (like enzyme reagent) require refrigeration at 2-8℃, while others (like chromogenic agent) require protection from light. Label reagents with preparation date and operator to avoid confusion.

9. Sample Collection: Collect representative samples according to the testing requirements. For vegetables, collect samples from different parts of the same batch (e.g., leaves, stems) and mix them; for fruits, select samples of different sizes. Avoid sampling damaged or rotten parts. Use clean, non-toxic sample bags (provided by Nanbei Instruments) to store samples.

10. Sample Processing: Clean the collected samples with pure water to remove surface dirt (do not soak for a long time to prevent pesticide loss), then chop and grind them into a homogenate using a food homogenizer (a common accessory for Nanbei's pesticide residue testing workflow). Ensure the homogenate is uniform to avoid uneven pesticide distribution.

11. Sample Extraction: Use a suitable extraction solvent (e.g., acetonitrile) to extract the pesticides from the processed samples, transferring them from the sample matrix to the extraction solution. During extraction, place the homogenate and solvent in a centrifuge tube, shake evenly, and let it stand for 5-10 minutes (extraction time varies by pesticide type). Use a laboratory centrifuge (recommended to match Nanbei's pesticide residue detector) to separate the supernatant, which is the extracted solution for testing. Pay attention to factors such as extraction time, temperature (keep at room temperature unless specified), and solvent volume to ensure effective extraction.

12. Environmental Conditions: The testing environment should be clean, dry, and well-ventilated (relative humidity 40%-60%, temperature 20-25℃), avoiding direct sunlight and drastic changes in temperature and humidity. Keep the instrument away from sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., large motors, microwave ovens) and corrosive gases (e.g., ammonia, chlorine) to ensure normal instrument operation. For long-term testing, it is recommended to use a laboratory fume hood when preparing reagents to protect operators' health.

For more information about Nanbei Instruments' pesticide residue detectors, including product specifications, pricing, and after-sales service, please visit our pesticide residue detector product page. If you have questions about testing methods or instrument operation, our technical team is ready to provide support.