Simultaneous Multicolumn Operation of the UV-Analyzer for Body Fluids

摘要

At the current state of development, high-resolution liquid chromatographs for analyses of complex physiologic fluids require relatively long analysis times and consequently the rate at which analyses can be done is limited. This rate can be increased by decreasing the analysis time or by use of multiple columns to process several samples in unison. An automated multicolumn high-resolution chromatograph for separating ultraviolet-absorbing molecular constituents of body fluids is being developed. The sample-handling capacity was increased several-fold with minimum added cost by using many of the components of the single-column analyzer. Results from routine use of a UV-Analyzer with two columns in parallel show that parallel operation is not only feasible but highly advantageous. The design of a high-pressure, multiple-column, sample injection valve for simultaneous injection of samples on different columns is discussed.