Introduction to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

HPLC TRAINING

Develop practical knowledge of liquid chromatography through structured training covering HPLC fundamentals, instrumentation, method development, operation and analytical data.

TRAINING AREA: Analytical Science · SUBJECT: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography · FORMAT: Online Training

ChromAfrica's HPLC Training programme provides a range of learning options designed to develop knowledge and practical understanding of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

The programme brings together multiple specialised training areas, allowing participants to develop knowledge from foundational HPLC concepts through more advanced topics such as method development, validation, troubleshooting, column selection and ISO 17025-oriented data interpretation.

The source page describes the offering as including practical video training, detailed modules, quick guides, bootcamps and other learning materials.

WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?

The HPLC Training programme offers different courses covering different experience levels and technical requirements.

Training areas include:

• Participants seeking an introduction to HPLC
• HPLC operators and laboratory personnel
• Analysts working with HPLC methods
• Experienced chromatographers developing analytical methods
• Professionals working on sample preparation
• Analysts involved in method validation and optimisation
• Laboratory personnel troubleshooting HPLC systems
• Analysts selecting and optimising HPLC columns
• Professionals interpreting HPLC data and working within an ISO 17025 laboratory context

Individual courses may have specific prerequisites and target audiences.

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN

Depending on the selected HPLC training course, participants can develop knowledge in:

1. HPLC principles and applications
2. HPLC instrumentation and system components
3. Sample preparation
4. Mobile-phase preparation and optimisation
5. HPLC column selection
6. Chromatographic separation and performance parameters
7. HPLC method development
8. Method validation and optimisation
9. HPLC troubleshooting
10. Data processing and interpretation
11. System suitability testing
12. ISO 17025-related analytical practices

🔬 HPLC FUNDAMENTALS

The introductory HPLC training covers core concepts in liquid chromatography, including:

• Principles of chromatography
• Applications of HPLC
• Key chromatographic parameters
• HPLC hardware and module functions
• Mobile phases and buffers
• HPLC columns and stationary phases
• Common column chemistries such as C18, phenyl and HILIC

The introductory course also addresses sample preparation, instrumentation, reversed-phase HPLC, chromatographic performance and alternative separation modes.

🧪 SAMPLE PREPARATION

The programme includes dedicated training on HPLC sample preparation.

Topics can include:

• Sample collection and handling
• Matrix complexity
• Filtration and clarification
• Centrifugation
• Solvent-based extraction
• Liquid–liquid extraction
• QuEChERS
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE)
• Biological-matrix preparation
• Derivatisation
• Sample-preparation quality control
• Troubleshooting sample-preparation failures

The dedicated sample-preparation course also covers ISO 17025-related sample identification, chain of custody, sample acceptance and documentation.

⚙️ HPLC INSTRUMENTATION & OPERATION

Training covers the principal components involved in HPLC analysis, including:

• Mobile-phase systems and degassing
• Isocratic and gradient pumps
• Manual injectors and autosamplers
• Columns and column ovens
• UV-Vis, fluorescence, RI and MS detectors
• Instrument setup
• Method parameters
• Sequence execution
• Basic result interpretation

The HPLC Operator training is specifically designed around a step-by-step approach to reviewing methods, preparing mobile phases, setting up instrumentation, running sequences and interpreting basic results.

🧬 HPLC COLUMN SELECTION & SEPARATION

The programme addresses the factors that determine HPLC separation performance.

Topics include:

• Column dimensions
• Particle size
• Stationary-phase chemistry
• Reversed-phase columns
• C18, C8 and phenyl phases
• HILIC
• Normal-phase HPLC
• Ion-exchange chromatography
• Size-exclusion chromatography
• Column temperature
• Flow-rate optimisation
• van Deemter theory

📈 HPLC METHOD DEVELOPMENT

Advanced training focuses on developing robust HPLC methods systematically rather than relying on trial and error.

Key areas include:

• Defining method-development objectives
• Quality by Design (QbD)
• Critical Quality Attributes and Critical Method Parameters
• Sample-preparation optimisation
• Mobile-phase optimisation
• Column screening and selection
• Gradient optimisation
• Retention, selectivity, efficiency and resolution
• Robustness
• Pre-validation considerations
• Method transfer documentation

The advanced method-development course is explicitly aimed at experienced chromatographers with good working knowledge of HPLC.

🔧 TROUBLESHOOTING & OPTIMISATION

Dedicated training is also available for diagnosing and improving HPLC performance.

This area can help participants address problems involving:

• Poor chromatographic performance
• Peak shape
• Resolution
• Retention
• System operation
• Method parameters
• Instrument-related problems

📊 DATA PROCESSING, VALIDATION & REPORTING

HPLC training also extends beyond instrument operation into analytical data.

Relevant topics include:

• Peak detection and integration
• Baseline correction
• Manual versus automated integration
• External, internal and standard-addition calibration
• Linearity, accuracy and precision
• System suitability testing
• Quality-control samples
• Data validation
• Acceptance and rejection of analytical runs
• HPLC data extraction and interpretation
• ISO 17025-oriented reporting

The introductory HPLC course specifically covers integration, calibration, system suitability and quality-control practices.

🛠️ PRACTICAL & INTERACTIVE LEARNING

ChromAfrica describes the HPLC offering as including practical video training, detailed modules, quick guides and bootcamps. Individual courses may also include live interactive sessions and practical exercises.

Examples from the listed courses include:

• Interactive HPLC decision exercises
• Method-development simulations
• Case-based optimisation workshops
• Virtual sample-preparation activities
• Chromatogram evaluation
• HPLC setup and sequence exercises
• Data-processing and system-suitability activities

COURSE TAKEAWAYS

The HPLC Training programme provides a broad pathway for developing liquid-chromatography knowledge and practical analytical skills.

Depending on the selected course, participants can build competence in HPLC operation, sample preparation, column selection, method development, validation, troubleshooting, data processing and analytical reporting.

Choose the HPLC training level and specialist topic that matches your analytical responsibilities and experience.