A study of interlaboratory influence on column evaluation

A liquid chromatography method for the characterization of base deactivated columns was investigated in a collaborative study involving six laboratories. This work was carried out on two chromatographic supports (Xterra RP 18 and Symmetry Shield). Different cooling systems, namely water bath and air oven, were tested and it was shown that column thermoregulation did not significantly influence chromatographic data. In order to control the mobile phase composition, the latter was prepared by weight rather than volume. Thanks to the injection of a set of selected neutral compounds, extra-column effects were evaluated in each of the participating laboratories. The results showed that chromatographic supports tested in different laboratories and following the same test protocol could be effectively compared.