The Best GC and HPLC Accessories of 2026

In the competitive landscape of analytical chemistry, selecting the right GC and HPLC accessories is as critical as choosing the chromatograph itself. Laboratories seeking to maximize precision and throughput in 2026 must leverage advanced peripherals that automate complex workflows and minimize human error. From robotic sample handlers to intelligent injection modules, modern accessories transform standard instruments into high-performance powerhouses. This guide explores five standout equipment models that define the current standard for operational efficiency and data quality.

Quick Summary Box

• Best Overall: Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART — Offers unmatched flexibility by switching automatically between liquid, headspace, and SPME modes.

• Best For Difficult Matrices: Agilent 1260 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler — Features innovative Feed Injection and new InfinityLab Assist technology.

• Best For Speed / Throughput: Shimadzu AOC-30i Autoinjector — Delivers rapid injection cycles and overlaps sample preparation with analysis.

• Best On A Budget: Agilent 8697 Headspace Sampler — Provides high-tier integrated intelligence and reliability at a competitive price point for volatile analysis.

• Best For Automated Prep: Waters Andrew+ Pipetting Robot — Eliminates manual pipetting errors and seamlessly integrates with LC-MS workflows via Extraction+.

Agilent 1260 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler

Price Range: $28,000 – $45,000 (Estimate)

Best For: Difficult Matrices and Solvent Management

The Agilent 1260 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler represents the cutting edge of HPLC injection technology, released as part of the major Infinity III series launch in October 2024. This module is critical for laboratories dealing with complex sample preparations, such as QuEChERS extracts in food safety analysis. Its standout innovation is the "Feed Injection" mode, which continuously infuses the sample into the mobile phase stream rather than using a traditional flow-through loop. Additionally, the new "InfinityLab Assist" technology automates routine maintenance tasks and instrument health checks, significantly reducing unplanned downtime.

Key Specs

• Injection Modes: Classic Flow-Through and Feed Injection.

• Sample Capacity: Up to 16 microtiter plates (6,144 samples) with shallow drawers.

• Pressure Range: Up to 800 bar.

• Automation: InfinityLab Assist for automated calibration and diagnostics.

• Cooling: Integrated thermostat option (4–40 °C).

Performance & Applications For pharmaceutical and environmental laboratories, the Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler removes the need for time-consuming solvent exchange steps during sample preparation. By mediating the solvent effect directly within the injector, the system maintains sharp peak shapes and high sensitivity even when injecting large volumes of strong organic solvents. This capability is particularly relevant for pesticide residue analysis and metabolic profiling. The 2024 update also introduced enhanced robotic integration, making it a favorite for high-volume contract research organizations (CROs).

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Shimadzu AOC-30i Autoinjector

Price Range: $12,000 – $22,000 (Estimate)

Best For: Speed / Throughput

The Shimadzu AOC-30i remains the industry benchmark for gas chromatography automation, blending robust engineering with "Analytical Intelligence." Designed to support the rigors of 24/7 operation, the AOC-30i focuses on reducing total cycle time through its intelligent overlap feature. This function allows the autoinjector to perform rinsing and sample preparation steps for the next vial while the current GC run is still acquiring data. In July 2024, Shimadzu significantly expanded the unit's versatility by releasing official drivers for Waters Empower software, allowing mixed-vendor laboratories to control the AOC-30i seamlessly within their existing CDS infrastructure.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 30 samples (Standard), expandable with sampler towers.

• Injection Volume: 0.1 µL to 250 µL (depending on syringe).

• Injection Speed: Adjustable (Slow, Medium, Fast) to handle varying viscosities.

• Septum Life: Engineered for extended use (up to 1,000 injections).

• Compatibility: Full integration with LabSolutions and Waters Empower (as of mid-2024).

Performance & Applications Speed and reliability make the AOC-30i a staple in petrochemical and forensic laboratories. The system’s ability to handle high-viscosity samples without requiring complex method adjustments ensures consistent reproducibility across diverse matrices. Its "Sample Navigator" feature simplifies method development by suggesting optimal injection parameters based on the solvent and analyte list. This reduces the training burden on new staff and ensures that high-throughput environments can maintain strict quality control standards without constant senior analyst intervention.

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Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART

Price Range: $35,000 – $65,000 (Estimate)

Best For: Versatility and Multi-Mode Analysis

The Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART (Robotic Sample Handling) is the definitive solution for labs requiring flexibility. Unlike standard autosamplers fixed to a single task, the TriPlus RSH utilizes a robotic arm that can automatically exchange tools to switch between liquid injection, headspace (HS), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The "SMART" designation refers to its use of tagged consumables; the system automatically detects the type of syringe or tool installed, tracking usage history and preventing method mismatches. Throughout 2025, Thermo Fisher has continued to refine the platform with updated pre-installation guides and enhanced consumable tracking logic.

Key Specs

• Modes: Liquid, Static Headspace, SPME, ITEX-DHS.

• Vial Capacity: Highly configurable (up to hundreds of vials).

• Robotic Movement: XYZ axis with automatic tool exchange (ATC).

• Tracking: SMART chips in syringes/fibers track stroke counts and usage.

• Compatibility: Interfaces with both GC and GC-MS systems.

Performance & Applications This robotic platform is indispensable for food and flavor profiling, environmental testing, and forensic toxicology. A single sequence can accommodate liquid injections for semi-volatiles followed immediately by headspace analysis for volatiles, without user intervention to change hardware. The automated standard preparation and dilution capabilities further reduce manual handling, significantly improving linearity and reproducibility in calibration curves. For research labs changing applications daily, the TriPlus RSH SMART offers a level of adaptability that static systems cannot match.

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Waters Andrew+ Pipetting Robot

Price Range: $30,000 – $55,000 (Estimate)

Best For: Automated Sample Preparation

While not a traditional "autosampler," the Waters Andrew+ Pipetting Robot has emerged as a crucial accessory for modern LC-MS workflows. As sample complexity increases, the bottleneck often shifts from the instrument to the bench. Andrew+ automates the tedious liquid handling steps—pipetting, mixing, and serial dilutions—that precede chromatography. Controlled by the cloud-native OneLab software, it allows researchers to design protocols via a drag-and-drop interface. In 2025, the platform saw increased adoption of the "Extraction+" connected device, which fully automates solid-phase extraction (SPE) utilizing a vacuum manifold and flow-positive pressure.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Range: 0.2 µL to 10 mL (using electronic pipettes).

• Labware: Compatible with tubes, microplates, and HPLC vials.

• Connectivity: Cloud-based OneLab software for protocol sharing.

• Dimensions: Compact footprint fits inside fume hoods or biosafety cabinets.

• Modules: Integration with Shaker+, Heater+, and Extraction+ devices.

Performance & Applications Andrew+ is particularly valuable in bioanalytical and pharmaceutical settings where precision in protein precipitation or solid-phase extraction (SPE) is critical. By standardizing the preparation phase, laboratories eliminate the high variability associated with manual pipetting (human error). This leads to fewer re-runs and higher confidence in LC-MS data. The system’s ability to prepare samples directly into autosampler-ready plates or vials creates a seamless bridge between the bench and the chromatograph.

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Agilent 8697 Headspace Sampler

Price Range: $25,000 – $40,000 (Estimate)

Best For: Volatile Organic Compounds (High-End Option)

The Agilent 8697 Headspace Sampler is designed to integrate completely with the GC hardware, offering a level of intelligence and communication previously reserved for the main instrument. It features robust pneumatic control and independent vial pressurization, ensuring that every sample is treated identically. A major firmware update in January 2025 further enhanced the system's diagnostic capabilities and stability. The 8697 supports "sample overlap," meaning the heating and shaking of subsequent vials occur while the current sample is being analyzed, maximizing the number of runs per shift.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 48 vials (Standard), up to 120 vials (with XL Tray).

• Temperature Range: Ambient +5 °C to 300 °C.

• Pneumatics: Electronic Pneumatic Control (EPC) for precise pressure handling.

• Communication: Direct communication with the GC touchscreen.

• Safety: Automatic system leak checks and inert flow path.

Performance & Applications Ideal for residual solvent analysis in pharmaceuticals (USP <467>) and blood alcohol testing, the 8697 prioritizes data integrity and robustness. The integrated communication allows the GC to control the headspace parameters directly, ensuring that method setpoints are logged and traceable. Its ability to handle multiple headspace extraction (MHE) techniques makes it suitable for difficult solid matrices where standard calibration is impossible. The inert flow path prevents analyte adsorption, ensuring high recovery for sensitive compounds.

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Comparison Table

Conclusion: Optimizing Workflows with the Best GC and HPLC Accessories

The landscape of GC and HPLC accessories in 2026 is defined by automation, intelligence, and integration. Whether the priority is high-throughput speed with the Shimadzu AOC-30i or the intricate solvent management provided by the newly released Agilent 1260 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler, laboratories have access to tools that significantly reduce manual labor and improve data reliability. Investing in these advanced accessories not only modernizes the workflow but also ensures that the analytical instrument operates at its peak potential. By selecting the right equipment for specific applications—from robotic sample prep to dedicated headspace analysis—professionals can achieve the precision required for today’s rigorous scientific standards.

_{This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.}