Chromatography Identifies Clinical Classifiers of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented global challenges due to its rapid transmission, diverse symptoms, and complex biological behavior. As researchers continue to study the virus, advanced analytical techniques such as chromatography have become essential tools for identifying key biomarkers and clinical classifiers that define the disease’s severity and progression.

Chromatography and Clinical Classifiers

Recent studies have demonstrated that both liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) can be used to identify clinical classifiers—biochemical indicators that distinguish between disease states, such as symptom severity and immune response. A study published in MedRxiv highlighted the use of mass spectrometry proteomics in conjunction with LC to analyze patient blood plasma at high throughput.

In this workflow, liquid chromatography separates proteins and peptides within plasma samples before they are analyzed by mass spectrometry. By identifying proteins that correlate with patient symptoms or severity, researchers can better understand disease mechanisms and predict outcomes. Because most clinical laboratories already use LC/MS instrumentation, this method can be implemented rapidly and efficiently to accelerate COVID-19 research.

Chrom Tech supports such workflows with high-performance chromatography supplies, including Agilent ZORBAX HPLC Columns designed for exceptional reproducibility and sensitivity in proteomic and clinical research applications.

Gas Chromatography in Respiratory Disease Detection

Respiratory complications, particularly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are among the most dangerous outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Researchers at the University of Michigan and the U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), have explored the use of gas chromatography to detect early-stage lung damage associated with ARDS.

This technique functions similarly to a breathalyzer test, where exhaled breath components are separated and analyzed by GC to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to lung inflammation and distress. By identifying these chemical markers early, clinicians can monitor respiratory function and intervene before severe complications develop.

Accelerating COVID-19 Diagnostics and Research

The integration of chromatography with mass spectrometry provides scientists with the precision and speed necessary to study emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. Liquid chromatography enables high-throughput proteomic analysis to correlate biological changes with clinical outcomes, while gas chromatography enhances diagnostic capabilities for respiratory biomarkers such as those associated with ARDS.

Together, these methods improve our understanding of viral infections, facilitate early detection of severe symptoms, and guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. As the global scientific community continues to respond to COVID-19 and future pathogens, chromatography remains a cornerstone of rapid, reliable clinical analysis.