Gas Chromatography help

How long to learn GC?

Many hours. All together, at least 500 hours for GC. I was lucky that about 1/3 of my day was spent running GC, so I took that time to learn on top of what I already knew.

It doesn't take long to learn to run GC. Anybody can do it. What takes longer is figuring out how to manipulate the system to work for you. Learning how split flows work, the difference between SSL and PTV, how a column can affect retention times, FID/ECD/TCD/NPD, etc. All of these take many months of training to understand fully. And if you are working with a mass spec, it takes much longer.

Some good starting advice is to see if any of your GCs have IQ/OQ binders. When a new system is installed in a lab, often times the lab will pay to have an operational qualification done (OQ). After they complete the OQ, they give the lab a binder with all the results. If you get your hands on one of these binders, READ IT.

It contains all the pertinent specifications and operational abilities of the GC. It is a great starting tool to understand the capacity of the GC.

Your lab may not have one of these binders. They are expensive and not usually a requirement unless you work in GMP. However, if you do find one, it can be a great resource.

 

GC is too difficult. I only do FTIR. Boring work, but the pay is good. Can’t imagine what other job I could make $30 an hour with only having an associates degree.

 

$30 an hour with an associates degree? I have a masters degree in biology and barely make $50k a year. Life ain’t fair.