Continuous-flow scanning of selected high-performance liquid chromatography peak components by microprocessor...

Continuous-flow wavelength scanning of compounds separated by high-performance liquid chromatography is achieved through the use of fixed and variable wavelength micro ultraviolet detectors connected in series but separated by a low-pressure three-way valve. Activation of the valve allows entrapment of selected peaks in the variable-wavelength detector without interfering with the response of the fixed-wavelength detector which is utilized for peak quantitation. A microprocessor program is employed to maintain control and accuracy during the scanning sequence. Good correlation was found between ultraviolet spectra of standards obtained on a conventional spectrometer and those on separated peaks. This system allows the identification and quantification of picomole amounts of peaks separated during one analysis of a biological sample.