Gradient performance tests

[carnie]

I'm thinking of changing our bi-annual HPLC system performance checks by incorporating the gradient performance tests described by John Dolan in a July 2006 issue of LCGC. Can anybody who uses these tests tell me the acceptance criteria they set for each test (linearity and step-wise tests)?

[danko]

Hi carnie,

You can divide the linear part of the test/data into 5 points by placing a drop-line across the linear range. Then use the calculated height as Y- values and the time (minutes) as X- values. The acceptance criteria could be: r = 0.99 and visual linearity confirmation.
The step-part could be handled as individual data points. Calculate the mean and the standard deviation for all the steps and the acceptance criterion could be: RSD -less or equal 5%.

Best Regards