AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001 Instrumentation Guide

Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®) for Sugars in Animal Feed, Pet Food and Human Food

AOAC SMPR 2018.001 defines performance criteria for the quantitative determination of key sugars—glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose—in human food, pet food, and animal feed. Acceptable methods may include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or enzymatic-colorimetric techniques. Regardless of the approach, instruments must achieve a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of ≤ 0.1% w/w, recovery between 95% and 105%, and reproducibility (RSDR) ≤ 10%. Methods must demonstrate the ability to resolve and quantify each sugar without interferences. The instruments below align with these analytical requirements when operated under validated protocols.

A photo of AGILENT HPLC-RID System for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001 that links to a catalog of Liquid Chromatography equipment.

Chromatographic techniques rely on precise separation and accurate quantitation of sugars, often using refractive index detection. Enzymatic-colorimetric methods require absorbance detection at specified wavelengths and are widely used with microplate readers and photometers. The systems listed below include both types of instrumentation and support validated workflows that comply with AOAC SMPR 2018.001. Each platform meets the sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility standards outlined in the SMPR, helping laboratories achieve accurate results across a wide range of food and feed matrices.

Please click here to learn more about AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC GPC/SEC System with RID Detector and IsoPump for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The Agilent 1260 Infinity II GPC/SEC system with a refractive index (RID) detector and isocratic pump offers a precise and validated solution for sugar analysis by HPLC. The RID is ideal for detecting sugars like glucose and fructose, which lack strong UV absorbance. The system supports the separation of mono- and disaccharides when paired with a suitable carbohydrate column. Its stable baseline, high resolution, and reproducible retention times ensure compliance with AOAC method requirements for LOQ, recovery, and reproducibility.

This configuration is well suited for regulated laboratories needing traceable results and robust performance. The isocratic pump supports simplified operation, particularly for carbohydrate methods that use a single-phase mobile system. When calibrated using certified sugar standards and applied to properly prepared matrices, the system provides consistent quantitation aligned with SMPR 2018.001 expectations. Its reliability and flexibility make it an excellent choice for labs seeking a chromatographic approach to sugar determination.

Biotek Synergy H1 MultiMode Microplate Reader with Gen 5 Software for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The Biotek Synergy H1 microplate reader with Gen 5 software is an effective platform for enzymatic-colorimetric sugar assays. It supports absorbance detection at critical wavelengths such as 510 nm or 340 nm, depending on the assay reagents used. This makes it compatible with most commercial kits and in-house protocols designed for sugar quantitation. Its precision and reproducibility make it ideal for meeting AOAC-defined performance metrics, including LOQ and recovery.

With its advanced data analysis tools, including standard curve fitting and automated result calculations, the Synergy H1 simplifies both screening and validation workflows. The reader offers high throughput capacity, allowing efficient batch processing of samples in regulated environments. It supports labs analyzing sugars in animal feed, pet food, and food ingredients using validated enzymatic methods. When operated with proper controls and calibrators, the Synergy H1 provides compliant, repeatable results in line with AOAC SMPR 2018.001.

Infinite® 200 PRO series M Plex Multimode Reader by Tecan for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The Tecan Infinite 200 PRO M Plex reader is fully capable of performing absorbance-based sugar determinations using enzymatic-colorimetric methods. It offers precise wavelength selection in the 510–540 nm range, which is ideal for detecting reactions involving glucose, sucrose, and other sugars. The system’s built-in software supports flexible assay programming, curve fitting, and quality control tools, all critical for regulatory compliance.

Its robust optical system and reliable temperature control contribute to stable signal output and low variability across plates. With validated assay kits, this reader supports quantitation workflows that meet AOAC criteria for recovery, repeatability, and quantitation limits. It is well suited for high-throughput food testing laboratories and supports matrix-specific calibration. The Infinite 200 PRO enables accurate and efficient enzymatic sugar analysis in line with SMPR 2018.001 standards.

Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC Microplate Photometer for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC is a robust microplate photometer that supports endpoint absorbance measurements for enzymatic sugar detection. It features precise wavelength filters, including the common 510 nm option required for colorimetric reactions in fructose and sucrose assays. This system provides excellent repeatability and low background noise, both of which contribute to achieving LOQs at or below 0.1% w/w.

Its compact design and straightforward operation make it well suited for routine testing in food and feed laboratories. With SkanIt software, the platform enables easy setup, result interpretation, and compliance documentation. When combined with validated enzymatic protocols, the Multiskan FC ensures traceable and consistent quantitation aligned with AOAC SMPR 2018.001. It supports reliable performance in both regulated and research settings.

Molecular Devices SpectraMax ABS or ABS Plus for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus readers from Molecular Devices deliver reliable absorbance measurements for enzymatic assays targeting sugars. Their tunable monochromators support precise readings at key wavelengths like 510 nm, ensuring accurate colorimetric quantitation. The system’s SoftMax Pro software simplifies calibration curve generation and enables statistical verification of assay results, which is critical for AOAC compliance.

These instruments are trusted in analytical food labs for their stability and throughput capacity. With minimal drift and high reproducibility, SpectraMax readers consistently meet AOAC criteria for recovery and repeatability. They support a wide variety of enzymatic kits and can be used to process multiple sample types, including animal feed and processed foods. When operated under a validated workflow, these platforms align well with SMPR 2018.001 guidelines.

BMG LABTECH SPECTROstar Nano for AOAC Method SMPR 2018.001

The SPECTROstar Nano from BMG LABTECH offers full-spectrum absorbance detection, making it an excellent fit for enzymatic sugar assays. Its optical system allows precise detection in the 220–1000 nm range, which covers all necessary wavelengths for fructose, glucose, and other sugar assays. With software designed for quantitative curve analysis and real-time validation, this system meets the performance expectations defined by the AOAC.

This reader accommodates both cuvettes and microplates, offering flexibility for low- and high-throughput labs. Its compact form and intuitive interface make it ideal for laboratories performing regular sugar testing. When paired with validated enzymatic kits and calibration procedures, the SPECTROstar Nano consistently delivers compliant data under AOAC SMPR 2018.001. It combines speed, reliability, and user-friendly features for efficient sugar quantitation.

Choosing the Right Instrumentation for AOAC SMPR 2018.001

  • Chromatographic quantitation: Agilent 1260 Infinity II with RID for high-resolution sugar separation
  • High-performance absorbance readers: Biotek Synergy H1, Tecan Infinite 200 PRO, and Thermo Multiskan FC
  • Full-spectrum flexibility: SpectraMax ABS/Plus and SPECTROstar Nano for enzymatic assay validation

AOAC SMPR 2018.001 requires instrumentation capable of accurate sugar quantitation with low detection limits and strong reproducibility. The systems listed above support validated enzymatic or chromatographic workflows for compliant sugar analysis in complex matrices. We offer certified refurbished HPLC and microplate reader systems configured to meet your lab’s performance and budget needs. Contact us today to discuss the best instruments for your testing applications and regulatory goals.