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Frequently Asked Questions

Syringe Filters FAQ

<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The syringe filter area, and other specifications, are readily available at www.sterlitech.com. Please go to the product page for your syringe filter and click the \u201cApplication/Specification\u201d tab near the middle of the page. You can read the filter area from this tab; make sure to scroll down as necessary. Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">The syringe filter area, and other specifications, are readily available at www.sterlitech.com. Please go to the product page for your syringe filter and click the “Application/Specification” tab near the middle of the page. You can read the filter area from this tab; make sure to scroll down as necessary. Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Because of their low inherent levels of extractables, nylon membrane syringe filters are commonly used to filter samples that are intended for HPLC analysis. Nylon membrane syringe filters may not be suitable for all samples and are ideal for near neutral pH aqueous solutions and compatible nonaqueous solvents. For samples composed of acids and bases, hydrophilic PTFE membrane syringe filters and PES membrane syringe filters may be considered. For samples composed of nonaqueous solvents that are not compatible with nylon, PTFE membrane syringe filters and polypropylene membrane syringe filters may be considered. For aqueous samples containing proteins, or similar large organic molecules of interest, syringe filters containing membranes with low inherent protein binding characteristics, such as cellulose acetate (CA), should be considered to ensure maximum recovery.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">Because of their low inherent levels of extractables, nylon membrane syringe filters are commonly used to filter samples that are intended for HPLC analysis. Nylon membrane syringe filters may not be suitable for all samples and are ideal for near neutral pH aqueous solutions and compatible nonaqueous solvents. For samples composed of acids and bases, hydrophilic PTFE membrane syringe filters and PES membrane syringe filters may be considered. For samples composed of nonaqueous solvents that are not compatible with nylon, PTFE membrane syringe filters and polypropylene membrane syringe filters may be considered. For aqueous samples containing proteins, or similar large organic molecules of interest, syringe filters containing membranes with low inherent protein binding characteristics, such as cellulose acetate (CA), should be considered to ensure maximum recovery.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The standard Sterlitech sterile syringe filters are sterilized by controlled exposure to gamma irradiation. The amount of irradiation is carefully controlled to ensure a sufficient dose for sterility. The effectiveness of the treatment is monitored for each lot by using strategically placed spore strips and sterility is confirmed before a lot is released for sale.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">The standard Sterlitech sterile syringe filters are sterilized by controlled exposure to gamma irradiation. The amount of irradiation is carefully controlled to ensure a sufficient dose for sterility. The effectiveness of the treatment is monitored for each lot by using strategically placed spore strips and sterility is confirmed before a lot is released for sale.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span>The glass fiber prefilter reduces the particle loading experienced by the membrane final filter and, consequently, extends the service life. For some applications with fluids containing high levels of suspended solids, a syringe filter with an incorporated glass fiber prefilter will usually have greater total throughput when comparted to one without a prefilter.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;It would be expected that syringe filters containing absolute rated membrane media would be approximately equivalent regardless of supplier for filters that have the same size, same membrane material and same pore size rating. This is not the case for syringe filters containing nominally rated media such as glass fiber or nonwoven polypropylene. When considering alternative suppliers for nominally rated syringe filters, the user cannot typically rely on pore size rating alone. A more careful consideration of the media specifications, if available from the supplier, can help inform selection.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">It would be expected that syringe filters containing absolute rated membrane media would be approximately equivalent regardless of supplier for filters that have the same size, same membrane material and same pore size rating. This is not the case for syringe filters containing nominally rated media such as glass fiber or nonwoven polypropylene. When considering alternative suppliers for nominally rated syringe filters, the user cannot typically rely on pore size rating alone. A more careful consideration of the media specifications, if available from the supplier, can help inform selection.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The maximum recommended operating temperature for the syringe filters when used with compatible fluids is 60\u00b0C. When operating at high temperatures, the housing strength is reduced and it may be necessary to limit the applied pressure. Appropriate safety precautions, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), should be used when working with hot fluids.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">The maximum recommended operating temperature for the syringe filters when used with compatible fluids is 60&deg;C. When operating at high temperatures, the housing strength is reduced and it may be necessary to limit the applied pressure. Appropriate safety precautions, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), should be used when working with hot fluids.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The standard Sterlitech syringe filters that are 30mm in size or smaller have female luer lock inlet connection and male luer slip outlet connection. For customers that require different connections, Sterlitech offers custom syringe filters with a variety of connection options for your convenience at https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html. Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">The standard Sterlitech syringe filters that are 30mm in size or smaller have female luer lock inlet connection and male luer slip outlet connection. For customers that require different connections, Sterlitech offers custom syringe filters with a variety of connection options for your convenience at https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html. Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;No, the syringe filter size refers to the nominal diameter of the disk filter contained within. Necessarily, the outer diameter of the housing is somewhat larger than the labeled size. For example, the 25mm presterilized syringe filters offered by Sterlitech have a housing outer diameter of 33mm.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">No, the syringe filter size refers to the nominal diameter of the disk filter contained within. Necessarily, the outer diameter of the housing is somewhat larger than the labeled size. For example, the 25mm presterilized syringe filters offered by Sterlitech have a housing outer diameter of 33mm.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The syringe filters are primarily intended for laboratory use.\u00a0 The syringe filters maybe evaluated for pharmaceutical applications; however, it would be the responsibility of the user to comply with all pertinent regulations.\u00a0 Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance. &quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">The syringe filters are primarily intended for laboratory use.&nbsp; The syringe filters maybe evaluated for pharmaceutical applications; however, it would be the responsibility of the user to comply with all pertinent regulations.&nbsp; Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance.&nbsp;</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Yes, some of the syringe filters offer by Sterlitech may be autoclave sterlized. The exceptions are syringe filters with mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membrane and syringe filters with acrylic housings.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">Yes, some of the syringe filters offer by Sterlitech may be autoclave sterlized. The exceptions are syringe filters with mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membrane and syringe filters with acrylic housings.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;No, syringes are not included with syringe filters orders. We may be able to offer syringes separately; please contact [email protected] for pricing and availability. &quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">No, syringes are not included with syringe filters orders. We may be able to offer syringes separately; please contact [email protected] for pricing and availability.&nbsp;</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Yes, we can provide certificates of conformance (CoC) with syringe filter orders. Please make sure to the request the certificate when placing your order.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">Yes, we can provide certificates of conformance (CoC) with syringe filter orders. Please make sure to the request the certificate when placing your order.</span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Yes, the presterilized syringe filters may be used after passing their expiration date.\u00a0 However, we cannot guarantee that the filters are still sterile in the packaging.\u00a0 For applications that are sensitive to microbial contamination, the expired filters should be chemically sterilized, or gamma sterilized, prior to use.\u00a0 The expiration date only applies to filter sterility and is not relevant to filter performance.\u00a0 If stored sealed in their original packaging in climate controlled environments, it is expected that expired filters will have normal flow and retention characteristics.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">Yes, the presterilized syringe filters may be used after passing their expiration date.&nbsp; However, we cannot guarantee that the filters are still sterile in the packaging.&nbsp; For applications that are sensitive to microbial contamination, the expired filters should be chemically sterilized, or gamma sterilized, prior to use.&nbsp; The expiration date only applies to filter sterility and is not relevant to filter performance.&nbsp; If stored sealed in their original packaging in climate controlled environments, it is expected that expired filters will have normal flow and retention characteristics.</span></p>

Yes, for water and some aqueous solutions, a hydrophobic membrane syringe filter installed in the tubing between the vacuum pump and the receiving flask can prevent accidental overflows from reaching the vacuum pump.  Sterlitech recommends PTFEVS4550BAR10 for this application.  Please note that this method will not work for low surface tension fluids, such as alcohols and solvents.

<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;From our standard offering, the nylon membrane syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/nylon-syringe-filters.html) have the smallest pore size rating available at 0.1\u00b5m. \n\nSterlitech can provide custom syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html) with pore size ratings down to 0.05\u00b5m.\u00a0 Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.\n&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">From our standard offering, the nylon membrane syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/nylon-syringe-filters.html) have the smallest pore size rating available at 0.1µm. <br /><br />Sterlitech can provide custom syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html) with pore size ratings down to 0.05µm.  Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.<br /></span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;From our standard offering, the largest pore size rating available is 5 microns.\u00a0 Both\u00a0cellulose acetate (https://www.sterlitech.com/cellulose-acetate-syringe-filters.html) and nylon (https://www.sterlitech.com/nylon-syringe-filters.html) membrane syringe filters are available with 5 micron pore size rating.\n\nSterlitech can provide custom syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html) with pore size ratings up to 250 microns.\u00a0 Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.\n&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">From our standard offering, the largest pore size rating available is 5 microns.&nbsp; Both&nbsp;cellulose acetate (https://www.sterlitech.com/cellulose-acetate-syringe-filters.html) and nylon (https://www.sterlitech.com/nylon-syringe-filters.html) membrane syringe filters are available with 5 micron pore size rating.<br /><br />Sterlitech can provide custom syringe filters (https://www.sterlitech.com/custom-syringe-filters.html) with pore size ratings up to 250 microns.&nbsp; Please contact [email protected] to inquire about availability and pricing.<br /></span></p>
<style type="text/css" xml="space"><!-- td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} --></style> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Most\u00a0of the syringe filters offered by Sterlitech do not contain surfactants.\u00a0 The exceptions are syringe filters with cellulose acetate (CA) and mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membranes.\u00a0 CA and MCE membranes\u00a0are treated with surfactants to ensure good wettability.\u00a0 \u00a0 &quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:9089,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;16&quot;:8}">Most&nbsp;of the syringe filters offered by Sterlitech do not contain surfactants.&nbsp; The exceptions are syringe filters with cellulose acetate (CA) and mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membranes.&nbsp; CA and MCE membranes&nbsp;are treated with surfactants to ensure good wettability. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>

Sterlitech syringe filters are not certified pyrogen-free. Pyrogen testing is not performed on these filters. Users requiring pyrogen-tested or endotoxin-certified filtration products should select filters specifically labeled and validated for those applications.

Sterlitech 17 mm and 30 mm syringe filters feature a polypropylene housing, allowing them to withstand higher temperatures than acrylic designs. The maximum operating temperature is 180 °C, and the filters are autoclavable for sterilization.

The maximum recommended filtration volumes for Sterlitech syringe filters are:

17 mm syringe filter: up to 12 mL
17 mm with glass fiber prefilter: up to 20 mL
30 mm syringe filter: up to 120 mL
30 mm with glass fiber prefilter: up to 180 mL