Systematic errors in the measurement of peak area and peak height for overlapping peaks

Abstract

Errors in in the algorithms commonly employed by integrators and data systems for the measurement of peak areas and peak heihts of overlapped peaks are re-evaluated for cases where on or both peaks is stailed. The errors due only to peak tailing (area ratio = 1) can be greater than 50% for peak area measurement by the perpendicular-drop algorithm; erros in peak height can be greater thatn 40%. Errors due to a combination of peak tailing and differences in peak size can exceed 200% for peak area and 80% for peak height. An empirical area equation, when used in conjunction with normal integration procedures, permits the accurate ( < ±4%) quantitation of overlapping peaks, provided that the valley between the peaks is less than 45%. © 1987.