Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation

2.7.2.4.2. Guard column

2.7.2.4.2. Guard columns

Guard columns are placed in front of the separating column. They serve as a protective factor that prolongs the life and usefulness of the separating column. They must be changed on a regular basis in order to optimize their protective function.They are designed to filter or remove:

• Particles that clog the separation column.
• Compounds and ions that cause “baseline drift”, decrease resolution, decrease sensitivity and create false peaks.
• Compounds that cause precipitation upon contact with the stationary or mobile phase
• Compounds that co-elute, cause extraneous peaks and interfere with detection and/or quantification