A chromatography column includes a shell containing packed stationary phase and includes an inlet and an outlet at one end of the shell. A plastic sleeve is positioned in the shell to isolate the stationary phase from the shell. A capillary tube extends from an upstream inlet at the one end of the shell to deliver mobile phase to the upstream end of the stationary phase. Mobile phase travels through the stationary phase and exits the column at the one end. Porous filters and seals are provided. A removable coupling adapter is attached to the one end of the column and provides short flow paths and connection ports for the column inlet and outlet. The coupling adapter may incorporate other chromatography components, such as temperature control elements or flow cell optical detectors.