Abstract: A device is described which provides an automated or manual means to perform chromatographic affinity-based A1c analyses of whole blood or hemolysates in less than 1 minute. Further, such applications are useful for the quantitation of glycated plasma proteins used in analysis of gestational diabetes. The device includes several modules integrated to accomplish processing and analysis of the blood sample. One such module includes a disposable liquid chromatographic column which may be rapidly packed and is easily assembled from readily available materials. Such columns and assemblies may be used in fluid chromatography applications requiring separations of complex materials for purposes of purification and/or quantitation of particular analytes. The columns may be used as stand-alone units or may be integrated into commercially available chromatography systems. The columns have a chemical composition and particle size that allow for low operational pressures.