Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a liquid chromatography matrix having affinity ligands, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a starting unfunctionalized liquid chromatography matrix (I) based on a polysaccharide; (ii) cross-linking the matrix by the use of a cross-linking agent in one or more cross-linking steps; and (iii) introducing the affinity ligands;Step (ii) is carried out with a cross-linking agent and to an extent requiring an increase of at least (10)% of acetonitrile in the eluant for eluting testosterone propionate from the matrix obtained in step (ii) compared to the percentage amount of the eluant required for eluting the same compound from the matrix provided in step (i). In a preferred variant the cross-linking (ii) is carried out to an extent increasing the maximal liquid flow velocity to 3(175)%, of the maximal flow velocity for matrix (I).