How do we maintain the HPLC column usage log? Except excel and smart sheets, are ther any alternatives?
Some CDS systems have built-in applications that can track and report on usage (e.g. Agilent ChemStation for HPLC).
A laboratory notebook also works well, provided all users are trained to use it.
- BTW: Columns which are used with "special" additives or modifiers (i.e. ion-pairing, strong acids or bases, fluorine containing solvents) should always be labeled to warn others. Some additives change the surface chemistry (resulting in changed results). This is important to understand when learning liquid chromatography principles. LC columns used for specific methods should be DEDICATED to those methods and not used for anything else. *Columns are inexpensive consumable items. They should be tested using a documented standard at regular intervals or anytime their performance is questioned (per a written SOP). Never rely on injection counts, age or total volume flowed through them as an indicator of remaining life (which are inaccurate). **TEST them when new, then compare the results obtained as needed to verify.
Yes, There is another method to keep a track record of column usage however HPLC systems needs RFID tag so that number of injection data can be recorded.
Old fashion logbooks! Whatever system you choose, it must be auditable and reviewable (part of a QA mock audit).
Vijay: Just as I mentioned in my reply, (example: Agilent ChemStation for HPLC) several vendors offer tracking (via RFID tags as you mentioned) for each column. The tags can be very expensive to use as you need one for each column. The user still has to confirm the correct column recorded in the method is actually the one in-line as the system software just reports its presence, not if it is plumbed inline into the flow path (A HUGE GLP flaw by design!). Many methods are rendered invalid due to use of those tags when other columns are present in the column oven. For it to work, ideally, the user has to "tell" the system which column is in use for it to work well. We rarely see users update this information resulting in some methods being documented with the wrong column information by the system (very common issue as the recorded method does NOT match the actual method used!).
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