Whether the chromatographic septa in the laboratory can be reused?

The reuse of chromatographic septa depends on several factors, including the type of septa being used, the type of analysis being performed, and the conditions under which the septa were used. Some chromatographic septa can be reused, while others are designed for single use only.

Septa used in gas chromatography (GC) are generally not reusable due to the high temperatures involved in the analysis, which can cause the septa to deteriorate or become contaminated. For these applications, single-use septa are typically used.

Septa used in liquid chromatography (LC) applications can sometimes be reused, although this depends on the type of septa being used, the conditions of the analysis, and the type of sample being analyzed. PTFE-faced septa are generally considered to be reusable, as they are highly chemical resistant and do not leach or contaminate the sample. On the other hand, silicone-faced septa are typically designed for single use only, as they are less chemically resistant and can become contaminated over time.

In general, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the reuse of chromatographic septa, as well as to assess the quality and integrity of the septa before reuse. The reuse of septa can have an impact on the accuracy and reproducibility of the analysis, and it is important to consider this when deciding whether to reuse septa or use new ones for each analysis.