Safety is always a prime consideration in a laboratory. While working with organic solvents and samples that may contain harmful analytes, it makes sense to shield the operator from hazardous conditions whenever possible.
Possible splashing of sample or solvent is contained, preventing exposure of the operator to these materials. In addition the small amount of solvent vapor that may
escape from controlled venting is redirected away from the operator.
The Vapor Shield is also used in conjunction with the optional nitrogen blanket to shield the sample on the disk from oxygen during loading and elution, minimizing oxidation.