Between planned maintenance visits

Keep the flow path healthy.

A practical cross-platform routine for cleaner solvent delivery, earlier warning signs and fewer avoidable interruptions.

HPLCHPLC housekeeping guide
Condition is maintained continuously.Annual planned maintenance remains an important control—but it is not a substitute for routine care.

Take the routine into the laboratory

Choose a practical monthly task sheet for a physical instrument folder or an electronically completed laboratory record.

↓ Print-friendly PDF2-page A4 landscape · Rev 02
Low-ink version for printing
↓ Electronic record PDF2-page A4 landscape · Rev 02
Full-colour · complete and save electronically
Annual servicing is one important control—not a year-round maintenance strategy.
LC systems are used and exposed to solvents, buffers and component wear throughout the year. Their condition needs maintaining between service visits through appropriate checking, cleaning, flushing and timely response to early warning signs.
FDA GLP21 CFR §58.63 ↗
Laboratory action

The practical HPLC care cycle

Select the point in the routine that applies today, then complete the checks shown.

Daily essentials

Small checks that protect the system before and after a run.

4 checks

Pause and investigate when you see:

Early changes often reveal a developing flow-path or fluid-management issue.

↕
Pressure changesUnexpected fluctuation, rising backpressure, or a loss of pressure or flow.
⏱
Retention-time shiftsUnexpected or intermittent shifts may indicate solvent-composition, flow or valve issues.
💧
Leaks or depositsWet fittings, crystallised buffer, salt deposits or recurring seal-wash contamination.
📉
Poor reproducibilityChanges in injection precision, peak shape, carryover or baseline stability.
⊘
Restricted solvent flowDirty inlet filters, cavitation or bubbles, or slow delivery into the pump.
↻
Repeated valve symptomsRecurring sticking or blockage symptoms in proportioning or inlet/outlet check valves.
One care standard · leading LC platforms

Apply the routine to your instrument

The core housekeeping principles are shared. Select the platform used in your laboratory to see where its OEM guidance places particular emphasis.

Most laboratories use one principal LC platform. This selector keeps the guidance relevant without asking users to compare or combine different OEM procedures.

The selected platform notes identify emphasis—not a substitute operating procedure. Model, configuration, chemistry and current OEM instructions remain controlling.

Evidence and source library

Regulatory and OEM material supporting this cross-platform practical guide.

Primary sources
FDA / eCFR · 21 CFR §58.63Equipment inspection, cleaning, maintenance, testing and calibration.
View regulation ↗

References are provided for transparency. Always apply the current OEM manual, validated method, risk assessment and laboratory SOP for the specific instrument and chemistry in use.

Lab Optimise practical laboratory guides

A growing series of instrument-specific guides for maintaining condition between planned maintenance visits.

HPLCFlow-path care, buffer control and early warning signs.GCGas integrity, inlet care, consumables and chromatographic condition.DissolutionTest conditions, vessel care, attachments and sampling discipline.
Visit Lab Optimise ↗
Routine housekeeping protects condition and makes deterioration visible sooner.This guide supports—not replaces—OEM instructions, laboratory procedures or qualified engineering intervention.