The subject technology is directed to a CO.sub.2-based chromatography system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of steroids or steroid derivatives in a sample.

In a method for processing successive fluidic sample portions provided by a sample source, sample reception volumes are filled successively temporarily with at least a respective one of the sample sections, and the sample sections are emptied successively out of the sample reception volumes in such a way, that, while emptying, it is avoided to bring two respective ones of the sample sections, which have not left the sample source directly adjacent to one another, in contact with one another.

An apparatus for controlling fluid flow, and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit includes a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information may travel with the apparatus to enable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

An apparatus for controlling fluid flow, and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit includes a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information may travel with the apparatus to enable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

A sample pre-compression valve for liquid chromatography applications is described. The valve enables a sample pre-compression while the solvent pump continues to conduct solvent to the chromatography column. Furthermore, the sample pre-compression valve includes an INJECT position, a LOAD position and a PUMP PURGE position, in which all connecting grooves of the valve are flushed with liquid. A use of the sample pre-compression valve is described as part of a sampler for liquid chromatography applications.

The present disclosure relates to a method of characterizing proteins in a sample. The method includes: removing non-ionic surfactant from the sample via denaturing size-exclusion chromatography to form a denatured sample; eluting the denatured sample via liquid chromatography to collect fractions of the sample, wherein the fractions of the sample include a protein fraction; lyophilizing the protein fraction to increase protein concentration; reconstituting the lyophilized protein fraction with a buffer comprising a surfactant to denature the protein; digesting the denatured protein fraction with an enzyme; and analyzing the digested protein fraction.

The present disclosure relates to a method of characterizing proteins in a sample. The method includes: removing non-ionic surfactant from the sample via denaturing size-exclusion chromatography to form a denatured sample; eluting the denatured sample via liquid chromatography to collect fractions of the sample, wherein the fractions of the sample include a protein fraction; lyophilizing the protein fraction to increase protein concentration; reconstituting the lyophilized protein fraction with a buffer comprising a surfactant to denature the protein; digesting the denatured protein fraction with an enzyme; and analyzing the digested protein fraction.

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring, wherein the sample injector comprises a sample storage portion and a volume displacement device. The method comprises obtaining a pressure characteristic indicative for a pressure of the sample storage portion. In addition, the method comprises obtaining a displacement characteristic indicative for a displacement volume of the volume displacement device, when the volume displacement device is fluidically connected to the sample storage portion. Based on the obtained pressure characteristic and the obtained measured displacement characteristic the method comprises determining at least one result. In addition, the present invention relates to a sample injector, sample injector system and a system configured to carry out the method.

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring, wherein the sample injector comprises a sample storage portion and a volume displacement device. The method comprises obtaining a pressure characteristic indicative for a pressure of the sample storage portion. In addition, the method comprises obtaining a displacement characteristic indicative for a displacement volume of the volume displacement device, when the volume displacement device is fluidically connected to the sample storage portion. Based on the obtained pressure characteristic and the obtained measured displacement characteristic the method comprises determining at least one result. In addition, the present invention relates to a sample injector, sample injector system and a system configured to carry out the method.

An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample in at least one selected one of a first sample separation apparatus and a second sample separation apparatus, includes a valve arrangement fluidically connectable to the first sample separation apparatus and the second sample separation apparatus, a sample accommodation volume for accommodating the fluidic sample, and a control unit configured for controlling the valve arrangement so that fluidic sample in the sample accommodation volume is selectively injectable into the selected first sample separation apparatus and/or second sample separation apparatus.