System for subjecting a sample to chromatographic analysis

A system for separation of analytes in a solution, said system comprising:

• a cartridge enclosing a sorbent for binding the analytes in the solution;
• a recipient socket for receiving the cartridge, and allowing a fluid to flow through the cartridge into the recipient socket, thereby eluting the analytes into the recipient socket;
• a conduit in fluid communication with the recipient socket, said conduit establishing a fluid link to a valve, said valve being switchable between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein said first valve position provides fluid communication between said recipient socket and a holding-loop without sorbent, wherein said holding-loop is configured to provide low flow resistance at a first flow rate of between 200 nL/min and 50 μL/min enabling elution of the analytes from the cartridge and into said holding-loop at a first pressure of between 1 bar and 50 bar;
• wherein the second valve position provides fluid communication between said holding-loop and an outlet port to provide for emptying said holding-loop through said outlet port at a second pressure of between 1 bar and 3000 bar and at a second flow rate of between 50 nL/min and 20 μL/min;
• a chromatographic column in fluid communication with the outlet port, said chromatographic column provided with another sorbent having a chemical composition that is matched with binding material of the cartridge such that at least some of the analytes eluted from the cartridge will bind to said chromatographic column;
• a first pump arrangement configured to provide flow through the cartridge, the recipient socket, and the holding-loop when the valve is provided in the first valve position;
• and
• a second pump arrangement configured to provide flow through the holding-loop to the outlet port and the chromatographic column when the valve is in the second valve position.