2015 HPLC System Product Survey Results

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is, for many scientists, an essential chromatographic technique. HPLC systems used for the separation, identification, purification, and quantification of various chemical and biochemical solutions are composed of a pump, a sample injector, a separation column, a detection unit, and a data-processor.

Written byTrevor Henderson, PhD
| 2 min read

Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an HPLC System

  1. How flexible is the system? Can the system be optimized to meet your laboratory requirements?
  2. What tubes, vessels, and vials can it accommodate? Can components (such as additional detectors, valves, etc.) be upgraded in the future?
  3. Is the software easy to use and operate? Can a demo version be put in place to get a feel for how the software functions for your laboratory’s workflow?
  4. How is the system (not just components) qualified during installation to meet manufacturer performance expectations?
  5. Who provides the support and service for the product? Is it the manufacturer or a third party service group? If it is a third party service group, are they factory-trained?
  6. Finally, ask about the total cost of the purchase—not just the price of the product being installed— but the total cost of ownership, which includes price, service expectations, warranty, etc.

Types of HPLC systems used by survey respondents:

Analytical HPLC96%
UHPLC26%
Ion Chromatograph23%
Preparative HPLC14%
GPC10%
FPLC/Bio6%
Other2%

HPLC separation modes used by survey respondents:

Reverse Phase76%
Normal Phase40%
Ion Exchange31%
Ion Chromatography27%
Ultra-High performance (UHPLC)20%
Hydrophilic Interaction (HILIC)19%
Size Exclusion (SEC)18%
Gel Permeation (GPC)15%
Chiral14%
Gel Filtration (GFC)6%
Ion Exclusion5%
Affinity5%

Nearly 45% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new HPLC system. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of an aging system
38%
 
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
33%
Setting up a new lab
11%
First time purchase
15%
Other
3%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing an HPLC system:

Quality of data89%
Accuracy88%
Sensitivity78%
Resolution78%
Precise and accurate flow rates72%
Ease-of-use64%
Availability of supplies and accessories62%
Price61%
Maintenance59%
Service and support56%

For more information on HPLC systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/HPLC-systems

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About the Author

  • Trevor Henderson headshot

    Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific and technical writing, editing, and creative content creation. With academic training in the areas of human biology, physical anthropology, and community health, he has a broad skill set of both laboratory and analytical skills. Since 2013, he has been working with LabX Media Group developing content solutions that engage and inform scientists and laboratorians. He can be reached at thenderson@labmanager.com.

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