Syringe Filters

Syringe Filters are compact, single-use devices used to remove particulates from liquid samples prior to analysis. Essential in laboratories, clinics, and pharmaceutical environments, these filters attach directly to syringes and offer fast, sterile filtration of small volumes. Whether preparing samples for HPLC, removing bacteria, or clarifying reagents, syringe filters ensure precision, protect instrumentation, and streamline workflows.

Why Syringe Filters Are Essential

In analytical, medical, and research settings, sample purity is non-negotiable. Syringe filters eliminate unwanted particulates, microorganisms, and precipitates that could compromise test results, damage equipment, or interfere with chemical reactions. Their ease of use, rapid processing time, and compatibility with a broad range of solvents and solutions make them indispensable for small-volume sterile filtration and sample preparation.

What Are Syringe Filters?

Syringe filters are self-contained filtration units consisting of a plastic housing and an internal membrane filter. They are typically available in 13 mm, 25 mm, and 33 mm diameters, and in pore sizes ranging from 0.1 µm to 1.2 µm. Membranes may be made of PTFE, PES, nylon, PVDF, or cellulose acetate, and are offered in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic formats. Most syringe filters connect via luer lock or slip fittings and are available in sterile or non-sterile versions.

Types of Syringe Filters

PTFE Syringe Filters

Best for: Filtering aggressive solvents, acids, and gases.
These hydrophobic filters are chemically inert, making them ideal for organic or corrosive sample prep.

Key Features:

• Resistant to most acids, bases, and solvents.
• Suitable for air, gas, and solvent filtration.
• Can be autoclaved or pre-sterilized.
• Hydrophobic, but can be pre-wet for aqueous use.
• Long shelf life and strong housing materials.

Applications:

• HPLC and GC solvent preparation.
• Sterile venting of containers or tubing.
• Chemical and environmental analysis.
• Organic compound filtration.

PES Syringe Filters

Best for: Aqueous solutions and biological sample filtration.
PES membranes are hydrophilic with high flow rates and low protein binding—perfect for sensitive biological samples.

Key Features:

• Low extractables and fast filtration speed.
• High retention efficiency.
• Sterile and non-sterile formats available.
• Ideal for tissue culture, DNA, or protein prep.
• Available in gamma-irradiated sterile packs.

Applications:

• Cell culture media sterilization.
• Protein or enzyme solution preparation.
• Reagent and buffer clarification.
• Sample prep before PCR or ELISA.

Nylon Syringe Filters

Best for: General-purpose lab filtration.
Nylon is chemically resistant and mechanically strong, making it a go-to for aqueous and organic sample prep.

Key Features:

• Hydrophilic and compatible with many solvents.
• Excellent tensile strength and membrane stability.
• Moderate protein binding.
• Cost-effective for routine applications.
• Available in multiple diameters and pore sizes.

Applications:

• HPLC sample preparation.
• Buffer and reagent filtration.
• QC labs and research facilities.
• Filtration of alcohols and esters.

Cellulose Acetate Syringe Filters

Best for: Low protein binding filtration in biological assays.
These filters are ideal when maximum recovery of proteins or enzymes is required.

Key Features:

• Hydrophilic with ultra-low protein binding.
• Rapid flow rates for efficient processing.
• Suitable for cold sterilization.
• Limited compatibility with strong solvents.
• Clear and low-extractable design.

Applications:

• Filtration of enzyme solutions.
• Diagnostic assay sample prep.
• Clarifying serum or plasma.
• Tissue culture media filtration.

When to Use Syringe Filters

• Before loading samples into HPLC or GC systems.
• When removing bacteria or particulates from solutions.
• For sterilizing biological fluids or buffers.
• When working with small-volume or sensitive samples.
• In field testing or low-resource settings for quick filtration.

How to Use Syringe Filters

1. Select the correct filter diameter, pore size, and membrane material.
2. Attach the syringe filter to the syringe via luer lock or slip connection.
3. Draw the liquid into the syringe.
4. Press the plunger to filter the sample through the membrane.
5. Collect the filtered output in a sterile container, vial, or instrument inlet.

Key Features of Syringe Filters

• Compact, disposable design for sterile, single-use applications.
• Wide range of pore sizes and membrane materials for versatility.
• Luer-lock compatibility with standard syringes.
• Fast filtration speeds for small volumes.
• Sterile and non-sterile versions for clinical or general lab use.

Benefits of Syringe Filters

Syringe filters protect your data, instruments, and workflows by ensuring consistent, contaminant-free sample delivery. Their one-step design eliminates the need for bulky filtration setups and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. With precise membrane choices for specific solvents or sample types, syringe filters help labs maintain quality, speed, and reproducibility across a wide variety of testing protocols.

How to Choose the Right Syringe Filter

• Match membrane material to your sample: PTFE for solvents, PES for biologicals, nylon for general use.
• Select pore size: 0.2 µm for sterilization, 0.45 µm for clarification.
• Choose diameter: 13 mm for low volumes, 25 mm for general use.
• Check sterility and packaging: sterile for clinical or aseptic use.
• Ensure compatibility with syringe tip type (luer lock or slip).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are syringe filters reusable?
A: No. Syringe filters are designed for single use to ensure sterility and avoid cross-contamination.

Q: What pore size should I use?
A: Use 0.2 µm for sterilization (removal of bacteria) and 0.45 µm for general sample clarification.

Q: Can syringe filters handle solvents?
A: Yes, but membrane material must be compatible—PTFE is best for strong solvents.

Q: Do I need to pre-wet syringe filters?
A: Hydrophilic filters do not need pre-wetting; hydrophobic ones like PTFE may require wetting for aqueous use.

Q: How do I dispose of used filters?
A: Follow your institution’s hazardous waste protocols—especially if filtering biological or chemical samples.

Related Products

• Membrane Filters: For larger-volume or vacuum-based filtration workflows.
• Syringes & Luer Lock Adapters: Compatible syringes for use with filtration units.
• Sample Vials & Tubes: Sterile containers for collecting filtered samples.
• HPLC & Chromatography Supplies: Prep your system with syringe filters for peak performance.

Simplify your sample prep and protect your results with premium syringe filters from MedicalEx. With a wide selection of membrane types, sizes, and sterility options, we have the right filter for every lab workflow. Browse our collection now for fast, reliable filtration you can trust.