Evolving trends of HPLC in diagnostic labs
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), also known as high-pressure liquid chromatography, is an advanced type of liquid chromatography, and is evolving ever since Russian scientist Mikhail Tsvet invented the chromatographic technology. The high pressure makes HPLC much faster than gravity-based systems, while still maintaining high resolution. HPLC is routinely used to measure therapeutic drug levels as well as the presence of drugs of abuse, analysis of catecholamines, and in determination of amino acid metabolism. HPLC is an automated, highly reproducible, rapid platform used for HBA1C estimation and detecting hemoglobin variants for screening of hemoglobinopathies as well as providing precise measurement of HbA2 and HbF. It is also used for porphyrins speciation in urine and estimation of various vitamins and biomarkers in diagnostic labs.
Recent trends
HPLC has been recently challenged by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography platform, which on switching over provided improved separation efficiencies, faster mobile phase, and better chromatographic resolution without disadvantages of high pressure. The analytical technique, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is complex as it combines the physical separation properties of liquid chromatography (or HPLC) with the mass properties of MS (mass spectrometry) with widespread adoption. With implementation of more sophisticated technologies like more sensitive detectors, HPLC systems are incorporating new modules using dual pump to offer three workflows that increase productivity in a single system – dual LC, tandem LC, or LC-MS mass spectrometry. The benefits of chromatography-based technique integration with MS include a simple, rapid technique for analytes, offering high sensitivity and selectivity without pre- or post-column derivatization. Decisive for the success of LC-MS will be the automation of sample preparation, reliability of process, analyzers being user-friendly and their smooth interfacing with LIS. Currently, lot of research is being done on seamless integration of droplet microfluidics on a single high-pressure resistant microfluidic glass Lab on a Chip. Technology enhancements in HPLC are likely to increase throughput, gain more confidence in results, and drive down cost per sample.
