How should a chromatogram with a blank, a standard, and a sample spike be interpreted for system suitability?

How should a chromatogram with a blank, a standard, and a sample spike be interpreted for system suitability?

• A. System suitability checks are based solely on retention times.
• B. A spike verifies recovery; blank ensures no contamination; pass criteria include RSD below a threshold.
• C. System suitability checks include retention times, peak symmetry, resolution, and area repeatability against the standard; a spike verifies recovery; blank ensures no contamination; pass criteria include RSD of replicate injections below a threshold.
• D. A spike invalidates the system and should be avoided.

Answer: (C)