Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation method-of-choice often used by chromatographers prior to analysis. SPE is a stepwise chromatography designed to extract, partition, and adsorb target components from samples onto a stationary phase. The adsorbed substance can be removed from the stationary phase by stepwise increase of elution strength of the eluent.

SPE is most commonly used to remove interfering compounds from a sample, and can also be used to concentrate analytes of interest in samples. The use of SPE can prolong the lifetime of chromatographic systems, improve the ability of qualitative and quantitative analysis, and greatly reduce the requirements for analytical instruments.