Gas chromatographic test method is a part of gas chromatography. It should contain two aspects: one is the proper selection and use of detectors, the other is the optimization of relevant conditions. A good gas chromatographic test method should be in an optimal condition of these two aspects.

1. Proper selection and use of detectors
Gas chromatographic test method is built according to different samples, analysis purpose, proper selection of different detectors. Meanwhile, the sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, linear range, stability and other functions of detectors can be fully performed. That is in optimal condition.
Usually we use single detector to detect directly. If necessary, detection can be made after derivatization or we use multi-detectors to detect. Proper selection and optimal performance of detector can obtain accurate and reliable qualitative and quantitative information, and can simplify the whole analytical method. To the contrary, the relevant information can not be obtained, the time and energy are wasted, and the detectors will probably be damaged.

2. Optimization of relevant conditions
A good test method is related to the natures of detector, non-distortion/non-deformation of front and rear chromatographic peaks/signal of detector. Thus, the peaks from post-column to detector do not broaden and adsorb. It is better that the graph width enters into detector in column separation state. At the same time, the signal which generated by detector does not distort in the process of amplification or conversion, transmitting to recorder or data handling system. Furthermore, the operator should be familiar with some derivatization methods of some compounds in order to fully display the excellent performance of some detectors.