Ghost peaks

Subpages

Probable cause		Suggested actions
1	Analytes retained from previous injection	Use gradient elution that ends at a relatively high organic composition, such as 95 % acetonitrile, to ensure that all components are eluted during the analysis. Increase the starting organic composition, use a higher flow rate, or increase the overall strength of the eluent system to get the components to elute quicker from the column. Use sufficient analysis time to elute all analytes.
2	NOTE: Using a guard column and an inline filter protects the separation column from premature failure. NOTE: Using a suitable inline filter (e.g. 0.2 or 0.5 µm) and always filtering samples and eluents prevent particulate material from entering your HPLC system.	Remove the autosampler from the flow path and make a blank run.
3	NOTE: Use high purity HPLC grade or better solvents only. Solvents from different suppliers might have subtle differences in their contamination profile.	Switch to a fresh batch of solvents.
4	NOTE: Use high purity HPLC grade or better solvents only. Solvents from different suppliers might have subtle differences in their contamination profile.	Inject the sample solvent. If ghost peaks are stemming from there, prepare a new batch of the sample, using fresh solvents.
5	NOTE: Using a guard column and an inline filter protects the separation column from premature failure. NOTE: Using a suitable inline filter (e.g. 0.2 or 0.5 µm) and always filtering samples and eluents prevent particulate material from entering your HPLC system.	Flush and, if necessary and allowed by the supplier, backflush the column. Replace the column if necessary. If using a guard column or inline filter, replace it.
6	Inadequate sample preparation	Use sample preparation, such as filtration, solid-phase extraction (SPE), or centrifugation, to eliminate interfering contamination peaks and simplify the matrix in general.

21-Jun-2025