MSACL 2025 Abstract

Gas Chromatography 101 - From Setup to First Sample

Andrew T Nelson (1), Nicholas M Hurren (2)
(1) University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY (2) University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Andrew T Nelson, MD, PhD (Presenter) University of Rochester Medical Center

Presenter Bio: Andrew T Nelson is the Associate Director of Clinical Chemistry and an Assistant Professor in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Pathology. Previous training included a Clinical Pathology Residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, MD from the University of Texas-Medical Branch, and PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. Current interests include follow up on abnormal newborn screens, toxicology, and the role of lipids in human health and disease.

Relevant Financial Disclosures (within past 24 months, reported on Jan 14, 2026) No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.

Session Description
The gas chromatograph continues to play an important role in the clinical lab. Gas chromatography is complimentary to and, in some cases, superior to liquid chromatography for the analysis of clinical samples. This is a hands-on course where participants will make all the connections required to setup and maintain a gas chromatograph. These connections run from gas source to regulator to chromatograph to column to detector.

Take Home Pearls
Participants will 1) attach a cylinder valve outlet and CGA regulator, 2) cut GC tubing and make air-tight, leak-free connection between the regulator and GC, 3) replace the inlet septum and liner, 4) cut a GC column, place ferrules, and make air-tight, leak-free fittings with the inlet and detector.