Radio-gas chromatography.

Radio-gas chromatography (RGC) is a technique that combines the advantages of radioisotope tracer techniques with those of gas chromatography. The constitution and performance of RGC systems in common use are described. The relationships between the chromatographic resolution and detection sensitivity are discussed in a simplified form. Recent developments in RGC systems during the last decade are reviewed. A new detector system, named synchronized accumulating radioisotope detector, which makes it possible to improve the detection sensitivity without decreasing the chromatographic resolution, is discussed. Applications of RGC in the life sciences are briefly presented.