Retention time locking (RTL) is used to lock retention times when transferring methods from chromatographic instrument to chromatographic instrument, column to column, and detector to detector. This article discusses the application of RTL in forensic drug testing, specifically for the analysis of cocaine and its derivatives. The study shows that by locking the retention times of a derivatized cocaine standard, it is possible to achieve consistent retention times across different instruments and during routine maintenance procedures.
This document describes the use of the G2080AA retention time locking (RTL) software tool to ensure consistent retention times when transferring chromatographic methods between different Agilent GC-MSD systems or after routine column maintenance. The study focuses on a derivatized cocaine standard analyzed on systems including the 6890/5972, 6890/5973, and 5890/5972 configurations.
The application details the experimental setup using an Agilent HP-5MS column and helium carrier gas. It presents results showing that retention times could be locked within 0.01 minute across different instruments and after column trimming, allowing a single calibration to be used for multiple systems and facilitating data comparison.
| Software Version | G2080AA |
|---|---|
| Carrier Gas | Helium |
| Retention Time Match | Within 0.01 minute |
RTL is used to lock retention times when transferring methods from one chromatographic instrument to another, or from one column to another.
The software is compatible with Agilent 6890 GC systems with electronic pneumatics control (EPC) using the GC ChemStation.