Method development for biomedical HPLC

Whatever the analytical problem being tackled (not just in the forensic and biomedical fields), it is essential to keep an overview of the aims in mind. The principle goals for the solution to any analytical problem should be  

A word of caution is necessary. Given the success of HPLC, it is easy to think that HPLC is always the best and most appropriate method of analysing most compounds in most samples. The good analyst must choose the best solution to each analytical problem basing the choice on the nature of the analyte, the level of accuracy and precision required, the expected numbers of samples as well as the facilities and expertise available. There is little purpose in spending months to develop a very precise assay when the sample collection procedure is imprecise or using HPLC to measure compounds more appropriately measured by an immunoassay. Even given that a problem requires a separation mode, HPLC is not always the most appropriate method for example a number of samples may be run in parallel by TLC if only qualitative information is required. 

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