The efficiency of each technique can affect the productivity of the experiment and the rate at which results can be found. This factor greatly influences the choice of which technique to use. Both techniques have pros and cons. HPLC take longer for the separation to occur as more components are involved. However as there is a monitor connects to the apparatus, the results are automatically produced and available. Electrophoresis involves a simpler process to separate samples and has the advantage of being able to conduct several separations simultaneously. The downfall in electrophoresis comparative to HPLC is the fact that the results of separation distance have to be calculated and formatted to find and conclusive results. These factors along with the practicality of the techniques determine which technique best suits the task.
The practicality of both techniques is based on how easily they can be conducted. HPLC may be considered the harder out of the two techniques, as it requires more setting up and has more complex machinery and components. Gel electrophoresis is simpler than HPLC and doesn’t require and difficult task in setting up. The most difficult part of both techniques is the handling of the samples as they are usually very small and require precise actions.
HPLC, as it deals with mixtures rather than compounds or elements, is often used in the processing of human blood. Examples of the need to separate human blood can be for red and white blood cell related use; research, treatment, analysis etc. Another typical example is in the donation of blood where only the plasma is used. As far as the importance of these practical uses are to forensic science are concerned come down to the benefits and developments that can be made from and research or analysis. Along with educational purposes HPLC deals with processes that help sick people to accuracy in separation and administration are pivotal.
Gel electrophoresis has a wider range of uses the most important being the separation of DNA fragments based on size. Electrophoresis has two main uses with human sample, one as a way to identify hereditary diseases and the other in forensic labs to identify criminals. The forensic side has to be 100% accurate as DNA samples found can be used to convict criminals is the forensic labs conclude that they came from the accused. The use of electrophoresis in forensic chemistry has become a very important component to the legal system. This means that every sample has to be examined with acute accuracy, as the results can prove innocence or guilt because DNA is completely unique.
Both HPLC and gel electrophoresis are used extensively in forensic chemistry for the purpose of analysing and separating the components of samples and mixtures. These two techniques of separation are related by how they separate samples, such as biological samples like blood and saliva and chemical compounds such as dyes. In addition to this the relations made between both techniques in cost, time and practicality can often determine which technique is used for any give circumstance. As forensic chemistry has become an important component to the contribution of evidence in the legal system; importance and accuracy of each technique is critical for forensic scientists.
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