The Control of Ghosting, a Major Source of Error in Gas Liquid chromatographic Determinations of C2-C5 Acids

Ghosting caused by adsorption phenomena was found to be a major source of error in gas liquid chromatographic determinations of the C2–C5 acids. Its occurrence invalidated qualitative analyses, and its magnitude correlated with the variability of quantitative determinations. The responsible adsorption sites were located in the glass wool column plugs and in charred deposits formed at the injection area from biological fluids. The use of Teflon tape plugs eliminated ghosting from acid water solutions; and with the additional use of formic acid vapor and periodic cleaning of the injection area, ghosting with biological fluids was controlled.