Agilent GC AND GC/MS Columns Catalog

Significance of High-Quality GC and GC/MS Supplies

Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) remain foundational techniques in trace-level analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds across food, environmental, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and forensic sectors. An inert, consistent flow path from inlet through column to detector is critical to minimizing active analyte loss, reducing column bleed and preserving spectral integrity. High-performance columns and supplies directly impact sensitivity, reproducibility, and laboratory uptime, driving confidence in data quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Scope and Objectives

This whitepaper summarizes the essential offerings in the Agilent GC & GC/MS portfolio, focusing on:

• Inert flow path solutions for trace-level active compounds
• Ultra Inert and low-bleed GC columns and inlet liners
• Comprehensive cross-brand supplies (CrossLab) and bulk packaging
• High-throughput instrument platforms and modular column technologies
• Global service, support and compliance solutions

Methodology and Instrumentation

Agilent’s portfolio spans benchtop GC systems (7820A, 7890B, 6850), GC/MSD’s (5977 Series, 5975T, 5977e), tandem and accurate-mass analyzers (7000C/7010 Triple Quadrupole, 7200 Q-ToF), micro-GC (490-Pro) and headspace (7697A). Each inert flow path component—from split/splitless inlets and gold-plated seals to Ultra Inert liners, ferrules, guards and capillaries—is manufactured to tight specifications and lot-qualified by chromatographic QC tests. Low-thermal mass (LTM) modules enable sub-ambient and high-speed programming, while gas clean filter systems maintain carrier gas purity. CrossLab cross-brand supplies extend Agilent quality to other GC/GC-MS platforms.

Key Features and Discussion

• Inert Flow Path: Proprietary deactivation chemistries on Ultra Inert columns, liners and seals ensure minimal adsorption of acids, bases and other active analytes, yielding higher sensitivity and narrower peaks.
• Low Bleed & Column Reproducibility: Mass Spec-grade phases (DB-1ms, DB-5ms, DB-35ms, VF-1ms, VF-5ms) offer low thermal degradation and uniform lot-to-lot performance.
• Ultra Inert Liners & Ferrules: Pre-tested inlet liners and UltiMetal Plus ferrules in touch-free packaging simplify installation and reduce contamination risk.
• Bulk & CrossLab Supplies: Economical bulk packaging for high-usage labs; CrossLab compatibility warranty for non-Agilent platforms.
• Service & Support: Flexible Advantage service plans, remote diagnostics (Agilent Remote Advisor), compliance qualification software and customized training.

Practical Benefits

Implementing Agilent GC supplies and instruments delivers:

• Higher throughput and uptime through reliable inertness and reduced maintenance
• Better trace-level quantitation across challenging sample matrices
• Streamlined workflows with preconfigured systems and touchless consumables
• Long-term investment protection via 10-year value promise and global support

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing trends include integration of GC systems with real-time data analytics and AI-driven method development, expansion of rapid and high-resolution LTM modules, further miniaturization (micro-GC), and enhanced lab automation for unattended, high-throughput screening. Novel stationary phases and new flow path materials will continue to push detection limits lower for emerging contaminants and active tracers.

Conclusion

Agilent’s integrated GC and GC/MS catalog provides a comprehensive, quality-driven framework for laboratories seeking maximum sensitivity, robustness, and productivity. From Ultra Inert flow paths to cross-brand supply solutions and advanced service offerings, Agilent equips analysts with the tools to meet stringent regulatory and research demands with confidence.

References

Agilent Technologies. The Essential Chromatography & Spectroscopy Catalog. March 2016.© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2016.