Enhancing Quality Assurance with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Introduction

At Hartley Medical, our commitment to quality perfection drives us to continually seek out the best equipment for ensuring top-tier quality assurance testing. For this reason, our lab incorporates a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrument, marking a significant milestone in our quest for excellence. Here is our journey to  this cutting-edge technology, and the profound impact it has had on our operations.

The Journey to HPLC

Early Fascination with HPLC

My first encounter with HPLC was in a college chemistry lecture, where my professor heralded it as "the next frontier." This sparked a lasting interest in me, and I aspired to one day harness this technology when I began practing pharmaceutical compounding.

Initial Considerations and Challenges

After beginning my career, I contemplated purchasing an HPLC device for over a decade. Despite its advanced capabilities, I was advised against it due to its complexity and cost. Critics warned, "You don't need it—too sophisticated," "Too expensive," and "Too costly to run—you'll need a technician just to operate it." Consequently, I put the idea on hold.

Realizing the Dream

Fast forward twenty years, after a thorough investigation and collaboration with a seasoned pharmaceutical consultant, I finally decided to invest in a state-of-the-art HPLC device. This decision fulfilled a long-standing professional goal and significantly advanced our capabilities at Hartley Medical.

The Impact of HPLC

Unmatched Analytical Capabilities

The HPLC has revolutionized our quantitative analytical chemistry and quality control processes. It enables us to precisely quantify the number of milligrams per unit of volume and ensure the accuracy of compounded products for patient administration. For instance, we can determine the exact levels of morphine in compounded preparations with a precision of plus or minus 2 to 5%, far surpassing the standard plus or minus 10%.

Expanding Research Opportunities

Our new HPLC device has also opened doors to conducting long-overdue studies requested by clinicians and physicians. This technology allows us to achieve a new standard of accuracy and quality control, significantly enhancing our research capabilities, as well as our industry relationships and collaborations.

Future Prospects

Continuous Improvement

The acquisition of HPLC was just the beginning. We have only scratched the surface of its potential, and I look forward to expanding on its full capabilities.

Commitment to Excellence

At Hartley Medical, our dedication to excellence is unwavering. The HPLC is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality intrathecal drugs and ensuring the utmost safety and efficacy for our patients. It marked a significant advancement in our quality assurance and analytical capabilities and enables us to achieve unparalleled precision. Additionally, it has opened up new avenues for research and quality control. Stay tuned as we continue to leverage this technology to enhance our services and uphold our commitment to excellence.