DB-ALC1/DB-ALC2

DB-ALC1 column

Agilent DB-ALC1 & DB-ALC2 GC Columns

Agilent J&W DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 GC columns are engineered for rapid, high-precision blood alcohol analysis, enabling two-minute separation of ethanol and related volatile compounds. These application-specific phases reduce total run time by approximately one-third compared to traditional blood alcohol columns, supporting faster case processing, higher throughput, and more efficient forensic and clinical workflows.

DB-ALC2 incorporates a unique polarity profile that enhances resolution of critical analyte pairs, particularly ethanol and acetone—two compounds that commonly co-occur in forensic toxicology and can present quantitation challenges using less selective columns. This improved selectivity ensures cleaner chromatograms, more accurate integration, and greater confidence in confirmatory results.

Both DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 are fully compatible with headspace sampling and direct injection techniques, offering versatility across a wide range of biological matrices. Their stability, reproducibility, and rugged design make them ideal for high-volume laboratories performing routine alcohol quantitation, impaired-driving casework, clinical toxicology, and bioproduction monitoring.
Key Definitions ▸
DB-ALC1
An Agilent GC column engineered for rapid forensic and clinical alcohol analysis, delivering reliable separation of ethanol and related volatiles within two minutes, and optimized for high-throughput blood alcohol workflows.
DB-ALC2
A uniquely selective blood alcohol confirmation column with polarity engineered to enhance the resolution of critical ethanol/acetone pairs, improving accuracy in forensic toxicology and confirmatory testing.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Analysis
Analytical testing used to determine the concentration of ethanol in blood or other biological matrices. DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 are specifically optimized for fast, reliable, and legally defensible BAC results.
Headspace Sampling Compatibility
The ability of a GC column to accurately analyze volatile compounds that partition into the vapor phase above a liquid sample. DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 support both headspace and direct injection workflows for maximum analytical flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸
How fast can DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 complete a blood alcohol analysis?
Both columns enable approximately two-minute ethanol separation, reducing run time by about one-third compared to traditional BAC columns. This allows higher throughput and faster case turnaround for forensic and clinical laboratories.
When should DB-ALC2 be used instead of DB-ALC1?
DB-ALC2 provides enhanced resolution for challenging analyte pairs such as ethanol and acetone. It is preferred for confirmatory testing or any workflow where these compounds must be clearly distinguished for accurate quantitation.
Are DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 compatible with headspace GC analysis?
Yes. Both phases are fully compatible with headspace sampling, which is the standard approach for alcohol testing. They also support direct injection workflows when needed for specific matrices or method requirements.
Are these columns suitable for matrices other than blood?
Yes. DB-ALC1 and DB-ALC2 are effective for alcohol analysis in urine, serum, plasma, fermentation broths, and other biological matrices, making them useful in toxicology, clinical testing, and bioprocess monitoring.