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. 2014 Dec;17(4):36–49. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2014.17.035

Table. 5. System suitability parameters, calculation formula and recommendations.

Parameter Formula Recommendation
Precision RSD = S/x̄*100 RSD ≤ 1% for n ≥ 5
Resolution, R R = (tR2– tR1)/(1/2)(tw1–tw2) > 2
Tailing factor, Tf Tf = Wx/2f ≤ 2
Theoretical plates, N N = 16(tR/tw)2 Column efficiency ≥ 2000
Capacity factor, k k’ = (tR– t0)/t0 > 2

S, standard deviation; x̄ , mean of the data; tR, retention time of analyte 1; tw, peak width measured to the baseline of the extrapolated straight sides to baseline; Wx, width of the peak determined at either 5% (0.05) or 10% (0.10) from the baseline of the peak height; f, distance between peak maximum and peak front at Wx; t0, elution time of the void volume or non retained components.