--- type: "WebPage" title: "Laboratory chromatographic analysis" description: "The FILAB laboratory supports you in the identification and quantification of chemical compounds, even at trace levels.From impurity screening to quality control and regulatory validation, we meet your industrial challenges with precision, reliability, and responsiveness. What is a chromatographic analysis?..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/chromatographic-analysis/" tags: ["EN", "pll_68b0431ba03ec", "Thomas ROUSSEAU"] timestamp: "2026-03-23T10:46:36Z" published: "2025-08-28T12:32:10Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Laboratory chromatographic analysis The FILAB laboratory supports you in the **identification and quantification of chemical compounds**, even at trace levels. From impurity screening to quality control and regulatory validation, we meet your industrial challenges with precision, reliability, and responsiveness. ## What is a chromatographic analysis? Chromatographic analysis is a [physico-chemical](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-physicochemical.md) method for **separating the different components** of a mixture. It is based on the differential distribution of substances between two phases: a **stationary phase** and a **mobile phase**. ### How chromatographic analysis works The principle of chromatography is based on the difference in affinity of the mixture's components for the stationary phase and the mobile phase. The sample to be analyzed is first introduced into the chromatographic system. - Mobile phase: this is a fluid (liquid or gas) that carries the sample through the system. - Stationary phase (column) : this is a fixed material (solid or liquid immobilized on a support) that interacts with the sample components. The different components of the mixture migrate at different speeds. Those with a strong affinity for the stationary phase are retained longer and move more slowly, while those with a greater affinity for the mobile phase move more quickly. This difference in migration speed allows them to be separated and detected individually at the system outlet. ## Objectives of chromatographic analysis Chromatographic analysis can meet different needs depending on the industrial context: - **Qualitative identification**: determine the nature and identity of substances present in a sample, even at trace levels, to confirm a composition or identify a contaminant. - **Quantitative determination**: precisely measure the concentration of each detected compound to ensure regulatory compliance, adherence to product specifications, or process monitoring. - **Separation and purification**: isolate a compound of interest or eliminate unwanted impurities, particularly during R&D studies or the development of new formulations. ## FILAB, expert in chromatographic analysis, supports you in your analysis ### The different types of chromatographic analysis carried out at FILAB There are several types of chromatography, classified according to the state of the mobile phase: - Gas Chromatography ([GC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gas-chromatography-analysis-lab-gc.md)): this applies to volatile molecules, and the mobile phase is an inert gas (He, Hydrogen, etc.) - Liquid Chromatography ([LC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-uplc.md)): this applies to high-molecular-weight, water-soluble molecules, and the mobile phase is a liquid - Ionic Liquid Chromatography (LIC): this applies to ions (anions or cations), and the mobile phase is a liquid [Ion exchange chromatography analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/rheological-analysis-laboratory-polymer-rheology/ion-chromatography-analysis-laboratory/) [Iodine analysis by ion chromatography](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/halogen-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-for-iodine-analysis-by-ion-chromatography.md) - **Preparative chromatography**: isolation and purification of compounds of interest. [Preparative chromatography analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/rheological-analysis-laboratory-polymer-rheology/preparative-chromatography-laboratory.md) Each method is adapted to your matrices (liquids, solids, polymers, finished products, etc.) and your regulatory requirements. ### For even greater precision: our chromatography techniques are coupled with detectors chromatography ## All of these techniques can be coupled with different types of detector, the most common of which are: UV-Visible Detector (HPLC-UV): it measures the absorption of light by the product at the column outlet Mass Spectrometer Detector (GC-MS or GC-MS/MS or LC-MS or LC-MS/MS): it identifies molecules by their fragmentation spectra Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID): it measures the concentrations of organic species in a gas stream. ## Our analytical park for gas chromatographic analysis [### GC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gcms.md) [### GC-MSMS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gc-msms-analysis-laboratory.md) [### GC-FID](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gas-chromatography-analysis-lab-gc/gc-fid-analysis-laboratory.md) ## Our analytical park for liquid chromatographic analysis [### UPLC/HPLC Detectors : UV, MS, MS/MS, CAD, RI, ELSD](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-uplc.md) [### LC-ORBITRAP](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/lc-orbitrap-analysis.md) [### LC-QTOF](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-for-lc-qtof-analysis.md) [### SEC Multi-detection : UV / RI / Viscometer / LALS-RALS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/laboratory-for-gpc-rils-coupling-analysis-ralslals/) ## Our analytical park for ion chromatographic analysis [### IC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-ion-chromatography.md) ## to go further Customized chromatography [training](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-analytical-chemistry-training.md) for your teams [Support in analytical R&D](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd.md) (method development, validation according to standards) ## FAQ Why is chromatographic analysis important? Chromatography is an essential laboratory method for many reasons: - Qualitative analysis: it identifies the nature of the substances present in a sample. - Quantitative analysis: it determines the quantity of each substance in a mixture. - Purification: it can be used to isolate a specific compound from a complex mixture. This technique is crucial in fields such as drug quality control. What are the key elements of a chromatographic system? A standard chromatography system consists of: - An injector: to introduce the sample into the system. - A column: which contains the stationary phase and where the separation takes place. - An oven (in GC) or a pump (in HPLC): to control the temperature or flow rate of the mobile phase. - A detector: which measures the compounds at the column outlet. - A data acquisition system: to record and analyze the detector signal, producing a chromatogram. What is a chromatogram? A chromatogram is the graphical result of a chromatographic analysis. It represents the detector signal as a function of time. Each peak on the chromatogram corresponds to a separate and identified compound. The peak position (retention time) and its area are crucial information for qualitative and quantitative analysis. What are the areas of application of chromatography? In an industrial context, chromatographic analysis is often requested following a quality or production issue. For example, when identifying impurities in a raw material, regulatory non-compliance related to the presence of solvent residues, or customer complaints regarding the odor, color, or stability of a finished product. It is also used in the event of process failures (cross-contamination, substance migration, corrosion) or during the development of new formulations requiring detailed characterization of all components. In each of these cases, chromatography allows you to quickly identify the cause and secure your production by providing accurate, usable results that comply with regulatory requirements. What are the areas of application of chromatography? Our chromatographic analysis services cover a wide range of industrial sectors: - Pharmaceutical industry: quality control, impurity determination, stability studies. - Cosmetics: preservative determination, raw material analysis, pollutant detection. - Chemistry & polymers: formulation characterization, process monitoring, cleaning validation. - Energy & nuclear: specific ion determination, corrosion monitoring, regulatory control. This versatility makes chromatography an essential control and R&D technique in many fields. What types of samples can be analyzed by chromatography? Chromatography is suitable for many samples: liquids, powders, polymers, finished products, raw materials, effluents, etc. At the FILAB laboratory, we adapt the preparation and the method according to the nature of your matrix. What is the difference between HPLC, GC and ion chromatography? - HPLC/UPLC separates and measures non-volatile molecules in the liquid phase. - GC (gas chromatography) analyzes volatile or semi-volatile compounds. - Ion chromatography measures the concentration of anions and cations in an aqueous sample. How do I choose the right chromatography technique for my needs? The choice of technique depends on several criteria: - The nature of the compound to be analyzed: volatile (→ gas chromatography), non-volatile or heat-sensitive (→ HPLC/UPLC), ionic (→ ion chromatography). - The objective of the analysis: qualitative identification, quantitative determination, separation/purification. - The sample matrix: liquid, solid, polymer, finished product. - The regulatory and normative constraints associated with your sector (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, environment, etc.). At the FILAB laboratory, our experts advise you and select the most appropriate method to guarantee reliable, usable results that meet your industrial requirements.