Wide-bore, fused-silica capillary columns can be an excellent replacement for packed columns in many cases. They can provide higher surface inertness and thermal stability, as well as higher efficiency or speed of analysis. Wide-bore, open-tubular (WBOT) columns with thick films have higher sample capacities than conventional narrow-bore capillary columns and can be used in unmodified packed-column gas chromatographs.

The majority of gas chromatographic analyses are still performed using packed columns. Many chromatographers associate open-tubular columns exclusively with split injection, often perceived as less repeatable or quantitative. Also, many packed-column methods use application-specific stationary phases which are not readily available on capillary columns. WBOT columns with standard phases can often be substituted due to higher available efficiencies. While several studies have been published on qualitative differences, there is little comparative quantitative data available on O.53â mm I.D. and packed columns.