How to Streamline Your Sample Preparation Workflow

Efficient and consistent sample preparation is the foundation of high-quality chromatographic analysis. The objective is to produce a representative, reproducible, and homogeneous sample suitable for accurate quantitation and identification. As Ron Majors defines in his Agilent publication, Sample Preparation Fundamentals for Chromatography (2013):

“The aim of sample preparation is to provide a sample aliquot that (a) is relatively free of interferences, (b) will not damage the column or instrument, and (c) is compatible with the intended analytical method. In chromatography, the sample solvent should dissolve in the HPLC mobile phase or be injectable into a GC column without affecting sample retention, resolution, or detection. It is further desirable to concentrate analytes and/or derivatize them for improved detection or better separation.”

Reproducibility remains one of the most critical aspects of any analytical workflow. Streamlining your sample preparation process not only saves time but also ensures data integrity and repeatability. Below, we outline several strategies and tools to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput in your sample prep workflow.

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE): The Cornerstone of Streamlined Sample Prep

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) remains a reliable and reproducible technique for sample cleanup and preconcentration. The standard SPE workflow includes:

1. Conditioning the cartridge or plate
2. Loading the sample
3. Washing impurities to waste
4. Eluting the target analytes with an appropriate solvent

These steps are performed using either a vacuum manifold or a positive pressure manifold. Traditionally, vacuum manifolds can introduce inconsistencies, as wells may dry at different rates—leading to variable flow rates and poor reproducibility. This variation directly affects analyte recovery and precision.

Positive Pressure Manifolds for Improved Reproducibility

Chrom Tech’s Positive Pressure Manifolds offer a modern solution for reliable and uniform flow control during sample processing. Unlike conventional vacuum systems, these manifolds maintain consistent pressure across all wells—even when some are dry or empty—ensuring uniform extraction conditions.

• Superior flow control: Restricted-flow gas ports maintain constant pressure even if only one well remains active.
• Ideal for viscous samples: Operates at pressures up to 75 PSI for smooth, immediate flow response.
• Enhanced reproducibility: Eliminates inconsistencies caused by vacuum fluctuations.

Whether using 48-position or 96-position formats, positive pressure manifolds are a must-have for laboratories seeking reproducibility and time savings in SPE workflows.

Streamlining Elution and Concentration Steps

Combining Chrom Tech’s Positive Pressure Manifold with the Cerex Concentrator/Evaporator further simplifies workflow by eliminating unnecessary sample transfers.

For workflows using autosampler vials, samples can be directly eluted from the manifold into vials using the matching collection rack. The same rack is then transferred seamlessly into the 48-position concentrator/evaporator—saving time and minimizing contamination risk.

Similarly, labs using 96-well plates can integrate our Porvair Concentrators/Evaporators for high-throughput evaporation in microplate formats. This pairing supports automated or semi-automated processing for large sample batches.

Custom Configurations and Rack Options

Chrom Tech’s 48 Position Positive Pressure Manifold and evaporators are available with various rack configurations to accommodate different vial or plate formats. Many liquid handling systems can also be customized to integrate with Chrom Tech racks, further automating and accelerating your sample preparation workflow.

Contact Chrom Tech to discuss your laboratory setup and explore how our customizable racks and manifold systems can be configured to best fit your application.

Conclusion

Streamlining your sample preparation workflow enhances reproducibility, reduces manual errors, and improves analytical consistency. Whether using autosampler vials or 96-well plates, pairing Chrom Tech’s Positive Pressure Manifolds with Cerex Concentrators/Evaporators creates a cohesive, efficient system designed to deliver reliable results—every time.

For personalized recommendations on SPE instrumentation, vials, or evaporation systems, contact Chrom Tech’s technical team today.