Reflecting on the Influence of the Current State of Sample Preparation on GC, Part 1

Abstract

Nearly all gas chromatographic analyses are preceded by sample preparation, which is often the major determiner of success. Recently, LCGC surveyed its readers about their work in sample preparation, covering the overall state of the field, and the results were presented in the “Sample Prep Perspectives” column. In this installment, we discuss the impact of part 1 of this survey, which covers broad questions about who does sample preparation, the fields they work in, and their most important aspects and goals for sample preparation on the gas chromatographic analysis that follows. We see that sample preparation has been (and remains) a critical step in any gas chromatographic method. In a second installment, we will discuss the impact of specific sample preparation techniques and their management on gas chromatography, following the release of part 2 of the sample preparation survey.