Is there a reverse-phase column test that could help troubleshoot a retention time shift that occurs injection to injection? - WKB251520

ENVIRONMENT

• Column troubleshooting
• Reverse phase
• Retention time shift

ANSWER

Yes. An isocratic column efficiency test could be used to help troubleshoot chromatography issues such as a retention time shift.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When determining if there is a problem with a column rather than a problem originating in the system, an isocratic test can be used.

Compare the retention times of a standard injected multiple times onto the column using a mobile phase that is premixed and pumped through one line. Then compare the retention times of the same standard that is injected multiple times onto the column using a mobile phase that is proportioned by the system (mixed by the system through two lines or pumps).

For additional information, see How to obtain a copy of Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Efficiency Test Report for Waters Columns, Sample Kits, SPE products and Standards? and Does Waters sell a small-molecule test mixture (QCRM, standards) to check performance of my reverse-phase columns?