Sample Preparation

Samples are often not homogeneous, contain particulates and/or levels of interfering compounds that make analysis difficult, or possibly damage the chromatography system/column. This is often due to the matrix of the sample. The term matrix refers to the surrounding media that contains the analytes and/or contaminants. Some examples of matrices are water (aqueous), urine, soil, plasma or blood. Samples like these are common across a diverse group of industries including: pharmaceutical, clinical, toxicology, environmental testing, agriculture and food and beverage.

Sample preparation is a technique that is used to remove contaminants from a sample and improve chromatographic performance and sample detection. In certain circumstances sample preparation can be used to increase the concentration of analytes.