Practical Considerations

In general a detector with the best linearity and widest linear dynamic range should be chosen for quantitative analysis.

If adequate sample is available, and column performance is not compromised, the detector should be operated at the higher end of its linear dynamic range by employing as large a sample size as possible. The detector will function in a more stable manner at lower sensitivities and provide better accuracy and precision.

Do not choose a high sensitivity, specific detector with a limited linear dynamic range over a less sensitive more linear detector to merely cope with low concentration samples. It is better to concentrate the sample and use the less sensitive more linear detector. If the specific detector is used, however, to selectively monitor certain compounds to obviate the need for higher resolution columns, then the sample size must be carefully chosen so that the detector is clearly operating within its limited linear dynamic range.

Do not introduce response time constants or signal smoothing with fast eluting peaks (as with capillary columns in GC and microbore columns in LC) or the peaks will be distorted and quantitative accuracy seriously impaired.