Name the Measurand
List analytes, sample matrix, result basis, decision level and required method scope.
Build fit-for-purpose chromatographic methods for food and feed, environmental samples, agricultural materials, petroleum fractions and gases. These guides connect sample collection and cleanup with stationary-phase selection, instrument choice, quality control and the interpretation of results.
Choose a Starting Point
Preserve and Clean
Control sampling, extraction, selectivity, recovery and matrix effects.
Choose the Mode
Match GC, LC, ion chromatography or affinity cleanup to the chemical question.
Qualify the Result
Use calibration, blanks, spikes, identity evidence and uncertainty appropriate to use.
Match the Question to the Material
A chromatography service or product is selected after the sample and measurand are defined. The same column does not answer every sector's question.
| Matrix and goal | Starting product or service | Key check |
|---|---|---|
| Mycotoxins in food or feed | Mycotoxin cleanup magnetic beads | Antibody scope, analyte recovery and capacity |
| Produce pesticide residues | Pesticide analysis and custom GC columns | Compound coverage and commodity matrix |
| Beverage composition | Beverage analysis and custom LC columns | Sugar and acid selectivity, detector range |
| Environmental organics | Water and soil analysis | Collection, extraction and official method scope |
| Veterinary drug residues | Veterinary drug analysis | Tissue-specific recovery and matrix effect |
| Fertilizer and agrochemicals | Fertilizer and agrochemical analysis | Species definition and formulation stability |
| Petroleum fractions and fuel gases | Petrochemical and natural gas analysis | Volatility range and component calibration |
Material fit matters: protein-purification resins, analytical LC phases, GC columns and magnetic cleanup beads solve different separation problems. Check item-level chemistry and application data before transfer into a new matrix.
Browse All Eight Guides
The pages below separate sector-specific sample problems from the chromatographic decisions and quality controls needed to solve them.
Mycotoxin Sample Cleanup: Immunoaffinity and Magnetic Bead Options
Mycotoxin cleanup must recover the specified toxins from the actual food or feed matrix while reducing interferences before LC or another approved detection method. Compare column-based immunoaffinity and antibody-functionalized magnetic beads by selectivity, capacity, recovery and workflow control.
Pesticide Residue Analysis in Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetable residue testing requires a representative commodity sample, extraction that covers the target pesticides, and chromatography matched to volatility and polarity. Cleanup, matrix calibration and confirmation determine whether a low-level result is defensible.
Chromatography in Beverage Analysis: Sugars, Acids and Contaminants
Beverage analysis combines high-concentration ingredients with low-level contaminants. Choose different chromatographic conditions for sugars, organic acids and trace hazards, and validate each method in the beverage matrix rather than assuming one universal separation.
Water and Soil Analysis: Choosing GC or LC Methods
Water and soil are not interchangeable matrices. Select GC or LC from the analyte's volatility, thermal stability and required reporting limit, then design collection, extraction and cleanup for the specific environmental matrix.
Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis: Matrix Effects and Cleanup
Veterinary drug residue analysis must distinguish low-level analytes from protein, fat and endogenous compounds in animal-derived foods. Build extraction, cleanup and LC or GC conditions around the drug class and commodity, then measure matrix effects and recovery separately.
Fertilizer and Agrochemical Analysis: Selecting Fit-for-Purpose Methods
Fertilizers and formulated agrochemicals pose different analytical questions. Choose chromatography for species that need separation, and pair it with appropriate nonchromatographic measurements for total nutrients, elements or bulk formulation properties.
Petroleum and Coal-Derived Samples: Chromatographic Characterization
Petroleum fractions and coal-derived liquids contain wide, often unresolved chemical distributions. Choose a chromatographic question first—boiling range, named contaminants, aromatic class or trace sulfur—and then match sample preparation, column chemistry and detector to that fraction.
Natural Gas and Gas Mixture Analysis by GC
GC can quantify defined components of natural gas and other gas mixtures when sampling, calibration and separation are controlled. Choose column and detector configuration from the component list and concentration range, and treat trace sulfur and complex mixtures as separate analytical challenges.
Plan a Fit-for-Purpose Method
SpecifyDefine target compounds, matrix, range, sampling and reporting basis.
ChallengeTest extraction, cleanup and column selectivity with real matrices and controls.
TransferDocument calibration, identification, uncertainty, maintenance and change control.
For targeted support, compare the site's custom GC columns, custom LC columns, custom resins and solid-phase extraction magnetic beads. Match the material to a measured limitation such as coelution, breakthrough or sample interference.
Reading Paths by Analytical Goal
Food and Agricultural Samples
- Begin with commodity, residue definition and representative sampling.
- Separate analyte recovery from detector matrix effect.
- Validate cleanup and confirmatory chromatography for each reported target.
Environmental and Industrial Samples
- Specify the sample fraction, composition range and method standard.
- Control volatile loss, nonvolatile residue and surface interactions.
- Bridge new columns and reference materials using representative samples.
Need help selecting an analytical separation?
Share your sample type, target list, decision threshold, current chromatograms and instrument configuration. Our team can review relevant media, columns and analytical services.
Methods and material suitability require verification against the actual sample matrix and intended use. Check the current applicable standard and item-level specification.
Selected References
- U.S. FDA, Pesticide Analytical Manual.
- U.S. EPA, validated test methods recommended for waste testing.
- ASTM International, natural-gas analysis by GC.
