Has any one else recently (past 12 months) noticed changes in HPLC methods that were originally validated using MacMod manufactured Zorbax HPLC columns? We have for a number of methods. We have traced the noticeable differences to a shift in who is listed as the manufacturer. Now that the columns are sold under the Agilent nameplate, performance seems to have suffered.

What is the experience of other out there? I have here from others that they are also having difficulties. Lets get it out into the open.

Regards,

Tihs Ho

Actually, the Zorbax columns were never manufactured by Mac Mod. Zorbax columns were originally manufactured and marketed by DuPont. A dozen or so years ago, DuPont decided to get out of the marketing and support business, and so spun that part out as Mac Mod (while keeping manufacturing). Subsequently the manufacturing was spun off as Rockland Technologies. Rockland was then aquired by HP, which then spun off it's LC business as part of Agilent. (Still with me here?).

What that means is that Zorbax columns sold and/or supported by Mac Mod may have been manufactured by DuPont, Rockland, HP, or Agilent (depending on who the owners were at any given time), but the same senior people have been involved all along.

From everything I know about Mac Mod, their support over the years has been quite good. If you haven't already done so, contact them directly and complain -- loud!!

Technical Support for Agilent HPLC products has been contracted to Chromatography Inc. 800 778 2003 or 302 234 4311. E-mail ci@chrominc.com