Method selection for liquid chromatography

The accurate measurement of trace level substances in complex mixtures requires advanced instrumental techniques that generally use some form of separation prior to analysis, such as chromatography. There is an increasing trend for users that do not specialise in separation science to undertake this work. With the plethora of available liquid chromatographic techniques this can lead to the inappropriate selection of separation methods, resulting in data that is incoherent or misleading. Hence, despite the existence of comprehensive guidance for users, there remains a need to provide quick and easy to use educational tools that are applicable across the natural and physical sciences.