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Integrated chromatography solutions
Thermo Fisher Scientific chromatography solutions are designed to support connected analytical workflows by bringing together instruments, software, columns, consumables and services to help decrease variability, reduce downtime and strengthen compliance. These chromatography solutions help enable labs to standardize methods, simplify training, and strengthen analytical capabilities for the future.
From method development through routine analysis
- Build analytical confidence with robust HPLC, UHPLC, GC, and IC systems engineered for precision, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
- Increase throughput and productivity through automation, intuitive interfaces, and scalable configurations that support growing sample volumes.
- Protect data integrity and compliance with advanced chromatography data systems that streamline reporting, traceability, and regulatory alignment.
- Optimize total cost of ownership via reliable instrumentation, application-matched consumables, and global service expertise that reduces unexpected downtime.
More chromatography solutions
How to choose the right chromatography technique
Start with your sample type and analytical goal. Different chromatography techniques are designed for different compounds, from volatile organics to charged ions and complex biomolecules. Thermo Fisher Scientific supports all major chromatography techniques with integrated systems, consumables, and software to help you move from method development to routine analysis with confidence.
Use the table below to identify the best approach based on what your sample contains and what you need to achieve.
Which chromatography technique is the best fit?
If your sample is… |
And your goal is… |
Best technique |
Why it works |
Common applications |
Volatile, semi-volatile, low polar, small organic compounds |
Separate, quantify and identify trace components |
Gas Chromatography (GC) |
Separation based on volatility and polarity enables high efficiency and resolution |
Environmental testing, oil & gas, industrial QA/QC, food safety, forensic toxicology, pharmaceuticals |
Ionic or polar species (e.g., Cl⁻, Na⁺, small organic acids) |
Quantify ions down to trace levels in aqueous samples |
Ion Chromatography (IC) |
Ion-exchange mechanisms provide high selectivity for charged analytes |
Environmental, water analysis, food & beverage, semiconductor |
Nonvolatile small molecules to complex mixtures |
Assess purity, stability, or structure |
HPLC / UHPLC |
Flexible separation modes support a wide range of chemistries |
Pharma/biopharma, food & beverage, environmental, drug development |
Large biomolecules (proteins, mAbs, nucleic acids) |
Purification or characterization of biomolecules |
Bioprocessing Chromatography |
Designed for large, sensitive molecules and scalable workflows |
Biopharma, cell & gene therapy, mRNA, vaccine production |
FAQs about chromatography
Technique selection depends on analyte type and required sensitivity. HPLC and UHPLC are used for organic and non-ionic compounds, with UHPLC enabling faster separations and increased resolution. Ion chromatography is used for charged species, such as anions and cations, especially in environmental and inorganic analysis, where it enables selective separation without derivatization.
Column selection depends on analyte chemistry, separation goals, and method conditions. Key factors include stationary phase type, particle size, and column dimensions. For liquid chromatography reversed-phase columns are commonly used for nonpolar to moderately polar compounds, while ion-exchange columns are used for charged species. For gas chromatography, matching stationary-phase polarity to the analytes is key as well as optimizing phase thickness according to compounds volatility. Select column chemistry based on your analytes to achieve reliable separation and analysis.
Chromatography paired with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or GC-MS) creates a complete solution. Chromatography separates your sample and mass spectrometry confirms identification and quantifies compounds.
This integration delivers highly sensitive, precise, and actionable insights, especially for complex analyses. For example, in environmental and food safety testing, LC-MS and GC-MS are complementary to separate and identify pesticide residues and other regulated contaminants in drinking water and food matrices, where chromatography isolates each contaminant and the mass spectrometer confirms its identity at very low concentrations.
Sample preparation for chromatography is the process of converting a raw or unprocessed sample into a form suitable for analysis. This may include dilution, filtration, extraction, concentration, derivatization, or removal of interfering substances.
Different sample types and different chromatographic techniques require different preparation methods. For example, water samples for liquid chromatography may only need filtration while for gas chromatography they typically need solvent extraction; biological samples may require protein precipitation or solid-phase extraction, and food samples may need homogenization, solvent extraction and cleanup. Gas chromatography may require sample derivatization to make polar compounds more volatile.
The goal is to improve compatibility with the chromatography system, protect the instrument, and improve reproducibility and accuracy.
Reproducibility is influenced by sample preparation consistency, proper sample storage and handling, column condition, mobile phase accuracy/carrier gas purity, and system stability. Variations in temperature, flow rate, or injection volume can also affect results. Integrated systems and automated workflows help reduce variability by standardizing methods and minimizing manual intervention.
When upgrading, consider throughput requirements, application range, automation capabilities, and data management needs. Modern systems offer improved sensitivity, faster analysis, and better integration with software and workflows. Evaluating long-term scalability and ease of use can help ensure the system meets future laboratory demands.
Our general purpose product lines are not intended for in vitro diagnostic purposes in accordance with our product documentation, manuals, and labels. They are designated for General Laboratory Use Only.
Our general purpose product lines have not been tested or validated for such applications and their use for in vitro diagnostic purposes may result in health and safety risks.
The product is For General Lab Use Only - Not For Diagnostic Procedures. The application is For Research Use Only - Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures.