Presenting the main problems and anomalies encountered when using liquid chromatography. Mastering the use of LC for assured scientific excellence.
Training objectives
- Identify problems and anomalies in liquid chromatography.
- Understand their origins.
- Define a methodology for investigating anomalies.
- Resolve these problems using corrective and preventive actions, in order to master the techniques and increase laboratory productivity.
Context
Analysts using liquid chromatography (LC) often face technical challenges and anomalies at various stages, both when developing methods and when using them routinely. These problems can slow down analytical procedures or interrupt ongoing analyses.
Common anomalies include unexpected variations in sample results, unexpected peaks in chromatograms, degraded resolution, unstable retention times, sensitivity issues, baseline fluctuations and contamination phenomena. These problems can be caused by various factors such as instrumentation issues, unwanted chemical interactions, impurities in solvents or samples, or operational errors.
To overcome these difficulties and optimise the use of liquid chromatography, it is essential for analysts to understand in depth the origin of these problems and to identify the underlying causes. This in-depth understanding makes it possible to take effective corrective measures and to put in place preventive actions to minimise the occurrence of such incidents in the future.
The training aims to provide comprehensive expertise on problems and anomalies in liquid chromatography. Practical case studies are presented to illustrate laboratory scenarios. Participants learn to recognise the early signs of problems, to quickly resolve malfunctions and to adopt good practices to optimise the equipment. The knowledge acquired improves the reliability, accuracy and efficiency of chromatographic analyses, thereby strengthening the overall quality of laboratory results.
Programme
Reminders in liquid chromatography (for a better understanding of the phenomena observed):
- the sample;
- the stationary phase;
- the mobile phase: chromatography solvents;
- the phenomena involved;
- description of the equipment and its various components: column, injector, pumping system (advantages and disadvantages of the different systems), tubing and materials used, the various detectors and coupling with the chromatographic system.
The various anomalies encountered and their possible causes:
- preparation and use of mobile phases — consequences of improper solvent use: general preparation rules, problems related to gradients and buffers, the effect of degassing on retention times, compatibility problems, solvent temperature;
- the memory effect: manifestations, chemical and material origins, problems related to rinsing (column ageing, loss of efficiency, injectors) and consequences;
- baseline drift (background noise) and sensitivity: electrical, chemical and physical origins, signal loss and instability;
- pressure instability: gradient mode and isocratic mode;
- chromatographic problems: unstable retention times, instability of peak width and shape, loss of resolution, retention-time shifts;
- the system’s dead volumes: causes and consequences for the analysis;
- problems related to changes of equipment (type, brand) during transfers;
- for each problem addressed: description, detection, possible causes or origins, assessment of its intensity, resolution and prevention (including preventive maintenance);
- chromatographic system suitability tests.
Tutorials — based on representative examples (suppression in the system, significant memory effect, degradation of a chromatogram, resuming a method after modifying the operating procedure), the participant must:
- describe the symptoms of each problem and identify the possible causes;
- solve the problem by proposing corrective and/or preventive actions.
Teaching method and learning techniques
Teaching method: interrogative and discovery-based method.
Learning techniques:
- case studies;
- individual and group exercises;
- field activities: technical site visits;
- the trainers involved have experience in the field of mastering the HPLC chain.
Participatory teaching takes into account each participant’s experience. For greater effectiveness, the pedagogical approach is concrete, participatory and encourages exchange. Technical input is enriched by shared discussions and analyses based on real situations. The intervention methodology aims to build specific tools and methods, shared by each professional and based on the needs identified throughout the support.
Contact and registration
Pharmaceutical Expertise and Training Division — CHMP
For any information or registration for this training course:
- Phone: +33 (0)4 73 98 24 81
- Email: contact@chmp.org
- Address: 13 rue des 4 Passeports, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
You can also write to us via the Contact page.