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VA-SOP-LC-004 · Standard operating procedure
Resolving "No peak is detected" — compound identification by retention time in LCsolution
SOP with screenshots: why LCsolution reports 'No peak is detected' when the peak is visible, and how to correct the expected RT and identification window.
| SOP No. | VA-SOP-LC-004 |
|---|---|
| Revision | 00 |
| Effective date | 30 October 2026 |
| Review date | 30 October 2027 |
| Software | Shimadzu LCsolution 1.25 (Postrun Analysis), LC-2010 series HPLC |
1Purpose
To correct compound identification when LCsolution reports "No peak is detected" although the peak is present.
2Scope
Applies to LCsolution 1.2x Compound Table and Identification settings.
3Responsibility
- Analyst — performs the procedure and records results.
- QC reviewer — verifies the output against the acceptance criteria.
- Lab in-charge / system administrator — controls method and report-format files and user rights.
4Definitions and abbreviations
| Expected RT | Retention time entered in the Compound Table for a compound. |
|---|---|
| Identification window | Tolerance (% or min) around the expected RT in which the peak must fall. |
5Prerequisites and materials
- Data file open in LC Data Analysis with the Compound Table visible.
6Safety and precautions
- Work on a copy of data and method files until the change is approved.
- Never delete or overwrite raw data (.lcd) to obtain a passing result; every change must be traceable.
- Follow the laboratory's data-integrity and audit-trail SOP when LCsolution security is enabled.
7Procedure
-
7.1
Read the result
Results tab shows the compound with No peak is detected.
Fig. 7.1 — Read the result -
7.2
Compare expected and actual RT
Compound Table: expected 2.500 min, actual peak 2.278 min. With a 5 % window LCsolution searches only 2.375–2.625 min.
Fig. 7.2 — Compare expected and actual RT -
7.3
Edit the RT
Click Edit, type the actual RT 2.278, click View, then return to Results.
Fig. 7.3 — Edit the RT -
7.4
Confirm identification
The compound is identified at 2.278 min.
Fig. 7.4 — Confirm identification -
7.5
Prevent it
Method → Data Analysis Parameters → Identification: Window 5 %, Retention Time Update = Replace.
Fig. 7.5 — Prevent it -
7.6
Rule
Peak not identified? Check expected RT and window first.
8Acceptance criteria and interpretation
- Compound identified at its actual RT; result table shows the compound name and area.
- Window and RT update setting documented in the method.
9Troubleshooting and common errors
| Symptom | Cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Still not identified | Check the detector channel and that the peak lies inside the window after the edit; check Min. Area is not rejecting it. |
| Identification drifts during a long batch | Set Retention Time Update = Replace so each standard updates the expected RT. |
10References
- Shimadzu LCsolution Ver. 1.2x — Operation and Help documentation.
- USP <621> Chromatography.
- ICH Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures.
11Revision history
| Rev. | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 30 October 2026 | First issue, written from the October 2026 screen recording. |
Frequently asked
Why does LCsolution say no peak is detected when I can see the peak?
The peak is outside the identification window around the expected RT. Edit the Compound Table RT to the actual value or widen the window.
Video version: LCsolution — Peak is there, but "No peak is detected"? (October 2026) — on our Instagram and YouTube.
Related SOPs
Vision Analytical is an independent service provider, not affiliated with Shimadzu Corporation or Waters Corporation. LCsolution and Empower are trademarks of their respective owners. Screenshots are from our own demonstration systems with demonstration data. Last updated 30 October 2026.