27th Mar 2024
Are Your Autosampler Vials Compromising Your Results?
Exploring the Impact of Vial Quality on HPLC and GC Performance
In the world of chromatography, choosing the appropriate instrumentation and accessories is essential for achieving accurate and reliable results. Instrument precision alone is not enough to achieve optimal performance. Using high quality, and application-appropriate consumables can greatly influence the analytical performance of your chromatography system. In this blog, we explore how different autosampler vials can affect HPLC and GC results.
Closure Style Variations
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) utilize different styles of vials that are designed to address the unique requirements and challenges of the respective analytical techniques. HPLC vials commonly come in screw thread or snap top configurations, which are easy to open and close, making them suitable for repetitive use. GC vials typically feature crimp caps, which require a crimping tool. Although they aren’t as easy to use, crimp caps offer a better seal, which is essential for highly volatile compounds often analyzed by GC.
Autosampler Vials
Autosampler Vials
GC Vials
Application Specific: Sample Integrity and Compatibility
The integrity of chromatographic analyses hinges on maintaining sample purity and preventing contamination. HPLC vials are available in glass or plastic. Glass vials are most common, but plastic vials are less expensive and are more resistant to breakage. Plus, in some applications, glass can be problematic, so plastic is the better option. Conversely, glass GC vials with crimp caps offer secure closures that can withstand high temperatures and pressures encountered during gas chromatography analyses. Also, worth noting, sometimes crimp closures are required for LC applications, for example, when chain of custody requirements are in place.
On a related note, HPLC vials and GC vials also offer different septa materials for their appropriate closures. Ensure both vial and closure materials are inert and compatible with the solvents and sample matrices used to prevent leaching or contamination.
Effect on Analytical Performance
Vial quality significantly influences the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of chromatographic analyses. All Chrom Tech vials are made in the U.S. and are manufactured with the most modern equipment for high quality glass and plastic vials and closures. We also offer specialty vials including silanized, low adsorption, and cleaned vials for applications with specific requirements.
It is also important to ensure that the size of the vial is appropriate for the sample volume. We offer maximum recovery vials, vial inserts (sold separately, or pre-loaded), and various vial sizes to accommodate different sample volumes and method requirements.
Choosing the Right Vials for Your Applications
When selecting vials for chromatographic analyses, understanding the unique requirements of your method is crucial. Considerations include:
- Closure style: Select vials with closures that provide reliable sealing for sample integrity and prevent evaporation of volatile compounds.
- Sample compatibility: Ensure vial materials are inert and compatible with solvents and samples to prevent leaching and contamination.
- Application-specific: Consider factors such as temperature and pressure requirements.
- Sample volume: Choose vials with an appropriate volume to ensure sample can be stored and collected properly.
Whether for HPLC or GC, selecting an appropriate vial can be crucial for preserving sample integrity and meeting the unique demands of each chromatographic method. At Chrom Tech, we offer high quality vials at a competitive price to ensure optimal performance.
