HPLC is an analytical technique that has been used and developed since the 1960s- but what exactly is it, what does it do, and why do we use it?
What Does HPLC Mean?
The letters of HPLC stand for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Chromatography is a technique used to identify, separate, and analyse individual components of one substance- in this case, anything that has liquid form.
It allows us to look at a liquid and see everything that contributes to its overall form.
A Simple Explanation of How High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Works
HPLC technology uses a high-pressure pump, separation column, and detection kits that funnel information to interpretive software on a PC. By injecting the liquid in question into the phase between the pump and column, we use extreme pressure to get the best separation and analysis.
What is HPLC Used For?
This technique is regularly used in product testing. Before a drug or solution goes to market, it is thoroughly analysed to establish the exact components. On the flip side, it can be used to test unidentified drug substances to find out what they are made of.
Other uses include:
- Water purification
- Environmental research into pollutants
- Quality control
- Searching for traces of specific substances
- Isolating and collecting valuable products
Examples of Uses in Biology
As well as helping monitor and control drug compounds, HPLC can also be used to identify health problems. By examining blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids using this technique, biologists can find abnormalities.
One example is Diabetes testing, which separates sugar levels from blood samples.
HPLC Techniques at Trinity Biotech
Our labs use the best instruments to integrate HPLC analysis into our testing practices. We use it to closely analyse samples received from clients and patients with exceptional accuracy.
It is an invaluable technique for the understanding and identification of many health problems and imbalances.
