Sample Filtration Products | Analytical Sales and Services, Inc.

Sample Filtration

Sample prep is one of the most important steps for HPLC or UHPLC analysis. Good technique is critical to producing high quality data, and a basic understanding of how to perform proper sample filtration can save a laboratory the time and expense of unexpected part repair and replacement.

The removal of particulates that would potentially cause damage to valves, pumps, downstream filters, and columns, aids in extending the life of your system components. For example, any particle impurities present at time of injection can potentially block your column, leading to flow rate irregularities, which in turn can shift retention times of peaks, or cause a complete stoppage of the mobile phase. Oftentimes, this will result in the need to discard and replace the column. We have a range of filter membranes of various materials to accomplish general filtration. They are available in several filter plate formats including 24, 48, 96, 384 positions. Please see our subsections for: spin filters, filter plates, centrifuge tubes.

Additionally, the reduction of unwanted “matrix” compounds can lead to enhanced chromatography and higher signal detection through reduced analyte suppression. Along with the general filter membranes previously noted, we have solid phase extraction (SPE) filter plates available with various packing materials.

Concentration of your compound of interest to achieve acceptable detection limits of your analysis is often an important aspect of sample preparation. We have a range of SPE plates along with diatomaceous earth filter plates for supported liquid extraction (SLE) to support this.

We have a robust selection of MWCO filters as well (see “Spin Filters” subsection).

Lastly, we have our own uniquely designed equipment offerings. Our vacuum manifold for SPE filtration is compatible with any SLAS/ANSI standard sized plates, and our EquaVap® blowdown evaporator system aids in symmetrical evaporation of your samples. Equavap is available in 24, 48, 54, 96 and 384 well formats.

The selection of the proper filter material is of the utmost importance. Additional information to this regard can be found in the expandable FAQ section below, or you can reach out to our sales team for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you have anything to assist with non-traditional small volume blood sample collection?

We have designed and manufactured a dried blood spot (DBS) system that provides many efficiency gains over simple hand tools. We also have the hard to find end-to-end micro pipettes prefilled with anticoagulant.

What types of filter membrane material do you offer and how do I choose?

We have a wide range of filter membranes: PP, PES, PVDF, glass fiber, nylon, PTFE and CA. Here is a schematic to assist in selecting the applicable membrane for your sample.

How do I select the proper SPE product for my sample?

We have an easy to read SPE selection guide that you can reference below or within our main catalog (both print and PDF versions available).

Do you have filter plates specialized for protein crash assays?

Our proprietary 1 mL protein crash plates (PN 60513) are made under tight tolerances in our NJ facility. We designed a unique membrane combining the hydrophilic, hydrophobic and a frit properties in one.

What are your MWCO filter recommend spin duration and max rcf (relative centrifugal force)?

The optimal centrifuge force is dependent on your sample. Generally we recommend you start with the most dilute form of the sample. For the 96 well filter plate format please use a low rcf ( <1000 xg ) in a first trial for 10 minutes. If the filtration is incomplete, increase the centrifugation time by estimation to drive to completion and /or increase the rcf incrementally to a satisfactory filtration rate. Do not spin at more than 2000 xg. Please use a good fitting collection plate below the filter plate. For micro-centrifuge format you can spin up to a max of 15k xg.

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