Technical data

128 Understanding Your Agilent ChemStation
6 Peak Identification
What is Peak Identification?
What is Peak Identification?
Peak identification identifies the components in an unknown sample based on
their chromatographic/electropherographic characteristics determined by the
analysis of a well-defined calibration sample.
The identification of these components is a necessary step in quantification if
the analytical method requires quantification. The signal characteristics of
each component of interest are stored in the calibration table of the method.
The function of the peak identification process is to compare each peak in the
signal with the peaks stored in the calibration table.
The calibration table contains the expected retention/migration times of
components of interest. A peak that matches the retention/migration time of a
peak in the calibration table is given the attributes of that component, for
example, the name and response factor. Peaks that do not match any of the
peaks in the calibration table are classified as unknown. The process is
controlled by:
• the retention/migration time in the calibration table for peaks designated
as time reference peaks,
• the retention/migration time windows specified for reference peaks,
• the retention/migration times in the calibration table for the calibrated
peaks that are not time reference peaks,
• the retention/migration time window specified for these non-reference
peaks, and
• the presence of any additional qualifying peaks in the correct ratios.