C18 column compatibility

[sanshonomi]

Just have a quick question that I cannot find anywhere on web. In general, are C18 columns compatible with samples containing metals? If you are monitoring reactions catalyzed by metals (transition metals), do you need to remove each time you sample?
I have been filtering through a plug of silica, but it has become impractical, is using ion-exchange resin a better way? Is there any standard protocol to follow?

[HPLC chemist]

Metals per se will not harm a column. The exception (as I recall) is a column that separates simple sugars (Waters Sugarpak and equivalent) which is killed by salt (Sodium).