Agilent Technologies Introduces Qualification Service for GCs' Heated Zones

Service Checks Oven, Injection Ports and Detectors to Improve Instrument Performance, Uptime and Regulatory Compliance

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 21, 2004 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced the thermal performance qualification (TPQ) service for Agilent gas chromatographs (GCs). The TPQ service verifies that a GC's heated zones (oven, injection ports and detectors) are working properly, which helps to ensure peak instrument performance and uptime, and reduces the risk of regulatory noncompliance.

The TPQ service follows a standard protocol that is automatically generated using document-creation software and the TPQ database. Using the protocol as a guide, an Agilent-trained engineer evaluates the temperature accuracy of each zone and the linearity, heating rate and precision of the oven ramp. Upon completion of the qualification, customers receive a signed document that provides evidence to auditors that the heated zones are operating within specification.

As the manufacturer of its instruments, Agilent has a thorough understanding of their design and thermal properties. This knowledge allows Agilent to accurately position and perform its TPQ measurements and to assess any differences between observed and expected values. This scientific approach is much more reliable than competitive TPQ services, which rely on imprecise trial-and-error methods.

With this service, Agilent expands the range of compliance services offered to pharmaceutical customers, which have typically included installation qualification and operational qualification/performance verification (OQ/PV). The TPQ service is completely independent of OQ/PV testing; it can be performed alone or in combination with OQ/PV for a more comprehensive qualification. It is not a substitute or a replacement for the GC OQ/PV services.

Availability

The thermal performance qualification service is available now for the Agilent 6890 Series GC, 6850 Series GC and 5890 Series GC.


About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com .

# # #

NOTE TO EDITORS: Press releases, photography and other information can be accessed on the Agilent Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis newsroom at www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/lsca .

If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by e-mailing the inquiries, with reference number MC8186, to carol_dunn@agilent.com. Alternatively, readers can mail their inquiries to: Agilent Technologies, Inc., 71 Southgate Boulevard, no. MC8186, New Castle, DE 19720 or call 1-800-227-9770.

Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news are available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news .