METHOD 800DETERMINATIVE CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION

Method 8000 describes general considerations in achieving chromatographic separations and performing calibrations. Method 8000 is to be used in conjunction with all SW-846 determinative chromatographic methods, including, but not limited to, each method listed in Sec. 1.1. Each of these chromatographic methods recommends appropriate procedures for sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and/or derivatization. Consult the specific procedures for additional information on these crucial steps in the analytical process. 2.1 Sec. 4.2 of this method provides general guidance on minimizing contamination, including cross-contamination between samples. Sample screening procedures are strongly recommended, and discussed in Sec. 4.3. 2.2 Before any sample or blank is introduced into a chromatographic system, the appropriate resolution criteria and calibration procedure(s) described in Method 8000 or other appropriate systematic planning document must be satisfied (see Secs. 4.4 and 9.3). 2.3 Secs. 4.5 and 4.6 provide information on the effects of chromatographic interferences. 2.4 Sec 6.0 of this method contains generalized specifications for the components of both GC and HPLC systems used in SW-846 analyses. 2.5 Calibration of the analytical system is another critical step in the generation of quality data. Sec. 11.5 discusses specific procedures and calculations for both linear and non-linear calibration relationships. The continued use of any chromatographic procedure requires a verification of the calibration relationship, and procedures for such verifications are described in this method as well (see Sec. 11.7). 2.6 The identification of target compounds by any chromatographic procedure is based, at least in part, on retention times. Sec. 11.6 provides procedures for the determination of retention times and retention time windows to be used with the specific methods listed in Sec. 1.1. 2.7 The calculations necessary to derive sample-specific concentration results from the instrument responses are common to most of the analytical methods listed in Sec. 1.1. Therefore, Sec. 11.10 of Method 8000 contains a summary of the commonly used calculations.