Chromatography

Chromatography is a process of separating components of a mixture by moving the solution of analytes in mobile phase (eluent) over a stationary phase (matrix). Depending on the aggregate state and chemical properties of the mobile and stationary phases, chromatography can be divided into liquid and gas chromatography, with many different subtypes. Chromatography is the most widely used instrumental separation technique in laboratories worldwide, and coupled to an appropriate detector, it can help identify and quantify almost any substance. Various Thermo Scientific systems for liquid and gas chromatography, as well as their use in hyphenated techniques are presented on our web site and the application portfolio.

Liquid Chromatography (LC)

Thermo Scientific's portfolio of innovative and reliable liquid chromatography (LC) instruments includes analytical HPLC and UHPLC systems that can handle any separation challenge from simple to complex samples; flexible, application-spe...

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Thermo Scientific's gas chromatography (GC) solutions are designed to be customized so that they can fit any laboratory workflow. From Thermo Scientific Instant Connect injector and detector modules, to the performance-leading mass spect...

Ion Chromatography (IC)

For over 40 years, Thermo Scientific has been a technology leader of ion chromatography (IC) instruments, providing ultimate solutions for ion analysis. Whether you have just a few samples or a heavy workload, whether your analytical ta...

Chromatography Software

Thermo Scientific mass spectrometry platforms enable you to simplify your MS and MS/MS analyses, featuring intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that easily acquire, analyze, manage, and report data generated by any of LC-MS, GC-MS, IRM...

Chromatography Sample Preparation Systems

Sample preparation is a key step in analytical workflow. Thermo Scientific solutions include a multitude of automated platforms and consumables to enable fast, reproducible and easy sample preparation that fulfill any workflow requiremen...

Chromatography Applications

Thermo Fisher Scientific HPLC, UHPLC, GC and IC systems allow you to separate complex samples with confidence. Extensive portfolio of reliable, innovative and easy-to-use Thermo Fisher Scientific HPLC, UHPLC, GC and IC systems and their ...

Chromatography columns and consumables

In order to maximize your chromatography productivity and achieve reproducible results, it is necessary to optimize the whole workflow, from sample to knowledge. By choosing the right tools, from your sample preparation (manual...

Clinical Chemistry Reagents

Recipe offers ClinRep HPLC Complete Kits designed for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and diagnosis in clinical, toxicological and forensic laboratories. The kits are compatible with any conventional HPLC system and contain a...

FAQ: Chromatography

What is the actual purpose of chromatography?

Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate complex mixtures into individual components. It allows us to accurately identify what is present in a sample and determine the quantity of each component.

What is the difference between liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC)?

The main difference lies in the carrier medium. Liquid chromatography (LC) uses liquid solvents and is ideal for most molecules, while gas chromatography (GC) uses inert gases and is reserved for volatile substances.

How do I know which column to purchase?

The choice depends on the type of sample and the goal of the analysis. The most important factors are the chemical nature of your molecules (e.g., polarity) and the level of precision you aim to achieve.

Why are my peaks poor or overlapping?

This most commonly occurs due to column degradation, improper mobile phase flow rate, or injecting too large a sample volume into the system.

How long does a column typically last?

It depends on the number of analyses performed and the cleanliness of the samples. However, with proper maintenance, sample filtration, and regular flushing, a column can last for hundreds or even thousands of injections.

What is HPLC and what is UHPLC?

UHPLC is a more advanced version of HPLC. It operates at much higher pressures and uses modern column technology, resulting in significantly faster analyses, improved resolution, and reduced solvent consumption.

How can I reduce analysis costs?

The most effective ways include switching to UHPLC (lower solvent consumption), using nitrogen instead of helium in gas chromatography, and performing regular preventive maintenance of the equipment.

What should I do if system pressure suddenly increases?

High pressure usually indicates a blockage. Check the filters, capillary connections, and guard column. Regular sample filtration prior to injection is the best preventive measure.

How does temperature affect my results?

Temperature directly influences the rate at which analytes travel through the column. Stable temperature control is essential for reproducible results, which is why the use of thermostatted column ovens is always recommended.

Why is solvent purity so important?

Impurities in solvents create baseline noise in the results and can permanently damage sensitive instrument components and the stationary phase of the column.