From personal experience; I am using the same system for 4 years with high duty and without any service calls. If any lab quality systems especially do not ask for routine/preventive maintenance reports, definitely it is not needed. Indeed, one point must be taken into account before a decision; this system failures highly depend on much to application type, usage frequency, and user capability (experience).

I hope this helps with your case...

Regarding COST, no idea as each system is different (and costs will be too). Preventative Maintenance (PM) is not normally an option. It is a requirement to maintain the basic operation of the system. You will not know what the condition of the system is in unless you formally inspect and test it (i.e. Pressure testing, Leaking testing, Composition Testing, Lamp checks, Detector calibration, etc). Never assume it is functioning properly or wait until something breaks. Typical PM service usually includes the replacement of common seals and parts that "wear out" from normal use and are required to maintain pressure and normal operation. PM service should NOT be a replacement for any needed SERVICE or REPAIRS (e.g. broken parts, damage, abuse, extensive wear etc). PM's are designed to inspect for and identify areas of normal wear. When found, parts are cleaned and/or replaced, as needed. Failure to "maintain" an HPLC system may result in invalid data (invalid methods) being generated. PM services should be budgeted as part of the normal operating costs (just like supplies and consumables).

• There are few tasks more frustrating that trying to use a poorly maintained HPLC system to analyze samples on!