Abstract: In this work, two tandem solid phase extraction (SPE) methods (Extrelut-PRS-C18 and PRS-C18 SPE columns), MCX SPE column extraction and dispersive SPE (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)) were used to extract 16 heterocyclic amines in meat products for analysis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and the four methods were comprehensively compared in terms of analytical figures of merit and cost. The results showed that the recoveries, precision, limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for the 16 HAs were significantly different among the methods. The QuEChERS method was superior to the other methods in terms of recovery and precision. The LOD and LOQ of MCX SPE column extraction and QuEChERS were better than those of the other methods. Both MCX and QuEChERS extraction methods showed lower cost and were more time-saving. In summary, the QuEChERS method can allow accurate detection of HAs in meat products and has the potential for wide application.

Key words: heterocyclic amines; meat products; recovery; solid phase extraction; quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe