Ultra-Trace Organics Testing

Ultra-trace organic testing by high-resolution mass spectroscopy and isotope-dilution methods produces highly accurate results for contaminant identification and quantitation. This rigorous analytical approach is increasingly in demand by organizations looking to meet:

• Environmental legislation – when a risk assessment approach is required to safeguard against contaminant exposure to populations and its associated health effects
• Responsible party litigation following exposures

SGS Ultra-trace Organics Testing Services

We lead the way in providing ultra-trace organic testing services. Our scientists have been developing and improving world-standard ultra-trace methods for more than three decades, including USEPA 1613b (dioxins and furans); USEPA 1668A/C (polychlorinated biphenyls); USEPA 1614 (polybrominated diphenylethers); USEPA 1699 (Pesticides – organochlorine, phosphate and nitrous). 

We offer:

• Expert Account/Project Management to ensure your sample, analytical and data needs are met on time and meeting your expectations
• Application of fit-for-purpose procedures and quality controls for multiple matrices including:
  • Source/stack sample analysis
  • Ambient and large volume water samples
  • Tissue and serum/plasma analysis
  • Soil and sediment analysis
  • Biosolids and Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) samples
  • Passive and active sampling media (including XAD, PUF, SPMD, SPE)
• Congener-specific analysis and data reporting to support TEQ, TMDL, source/fate and responsible party studies, supporting sophisticated sampling and study design approaches
• Application of true isotope-dilution mass spectrometry for the widest range of target analytes, providing the most accurate analyte and congener-specific/total congener-derived determinations
• Identify unknown compounds using high-resolution analysis with library searching and/or exact mass measurement with elemental composition determination
• Opportunity to combine multiple ultra-trace analyses from a single sample without compromising detection limits, reducing sample collection costs and optimizing study efficiency
• Dioxins/furans, PCBs, PAHs, SVOAs and pesticides using US EPA Methods 23, 8290, 1613, 1668A/C, 1699, 0023A, TO-9A, CARB 428, 429, and their international equivalents/derivatives; WHO-2 (combined D/F+PCB analysis, e.g. for EU food/feed testing)
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) by USEPA method 1614 or international equivalent

Why choose SGS?

With an unrivaled global network of environmental experts and accredited* laboratories, we are the first choice for ultra-trace organics testing. Benefits include:

• The latest high-resolution, magnetic-sector, double-focusing mass spectrometers
• Unsurpassed project specific method analytical support and development
• Certifications including NELAC, USDA, CALA, ISO17025*, and local US state, European, Australian, Asian requirements
• Efficient turnaround times – including our ultra-rapid 55-hour Dioxin/Furan analysis in North America
• Quality assurance programs compliant with good laboratory practice standards (GLP), FIFRA/TSCA GLPs, and laboratory quality control samples that exceed method criteria
• Data reports that include high resolution, indexed PDFs with full-color chromatograms, plus our unique performance-based criteria analysis (PBCA). Chromatographic data may be reviewed interactively using our proprietary UTP software
• Online reporting of data from SGS Engage, an encrypted and password protected website

Contact your local SGS office to learn more about ultra-trace organics testing.