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Using Syringe Filters

Syringe filters are one of the most frequently used laboratory consumables. In this brief article, we'll show you how get the most out of your filter and hopefully improve your results.

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Draw a small amount of air 1. Draw a small amount of air (about 1ml) into the syringe before filling with the sample solution. This air is used to purge the filter ensuring maximum sample throughput.
Load the sample 2. Load the sample into the syringe. Note the visible air pocket ready to purge the filter.
Attach the filter 3. Attach the filter securely with a twisting motion. If the syringe has a luer lock (as in this example), fix it firmly but do not over-tighten.
Hold vertically 4. Hold the assembled syringe and filter vertically to wet the membrane. This prevents air blocks and promotes high flow rates.
Push plunger 5. Press the syringe plunger gently. If possible, discard the first 0.25-0.5ml of sample. If the back pressure ever increases significantly, change the filter as it may have plugged. Avoid pressing excessively as this could cause the filter housing to burst.
Purge the housing 6. Push the air through the filter to purge the housing and recover any remaining sample.

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