What is the difference between a syringe filter and a membrane filter?

Syringe filters are small inline filters attached directly to a syringe, designed for small sample volumes (typically under 100 mL). They are the standard choice for HPLC sample preparation and quick clarification. Membrane filters are disc-shaped filters used in filter holders or vacuum filtration systems for larger volumes — applications include sterile filtration, environmental monitoring, and bulk solution processing.

What membrane material should I use for HPLC sample preparation?

For aqueous HPLC samples, Nylon or Regenerated Cellulose (RC) syringe filters are recommended for their low extractables. For organic solvents such as methanol or acetonitrile, use PTFE syringe filters. For biological matrices where protein binding is a concern, PES or low-binding PVDF filters are the best choice.

What pore size do I need for sterile filtration?

Sterile filtration requires a 0.2 µm pore size to reliably remove bacteria and most microorganisms. A 0.45 µm filter is used for clarification and particle removal but does not achieve sterility.

What filter should I use for cell culture media?

PES (Polyethersulfone) membrane filters at 0.2 µm are the gold standard for cell culture media sterilization. They offer low protein binding, high flow rates, and broad aqueous compatibility. For small volumes, a PES syringe filter works well. For larger batches, use a PES membrane disc with a vacuum filtration system.

What diameter syringe filter do I need?

For volumes up to 10 mL, a 13 mm syringe filter is standard. For 10–100 mL, a 25 mm filter provides better flow. For volumes over 100 mL, consider a 33 mm filter or switch to membrane disc filtration with a vacuum system.

When should I use PTFE filters?

PTFE filters are used for aggressive organic solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, DMSO), strong acids or bases, and chemically harsh samples. PTFE is chemically inert and compatible with virtually all solvents, making it the default choice when compatibility is uncertain.

What is SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) used for?

SPE is used to isolate, concentrate, and purify target analytes from complex sample matrices before HPLC or GC analysis. If your sample contains matrix interferences that a standard syringe filter cannot remove — such as plasma proteins, environmental contaminants, or food matrix components — SPE is the appropriate tool.

Can I reuse a laboratory syringe filter?

No. Syringe filters are single-use only. Reusing them risks cross-contamination, membrane damage, and reduced filtration efficiency. For high-volume or repetitive applications, use larger diameter filters or a reusable filter holder with replaceable membrane discs.

Laboratory Filter Selection Guide — Find the Right Lab Filter | Tisch Scientific

Free Filter Selection Guide

Find the Right Lab Filter for Your Application

Answer 3 questions and get a personalized product recommendation — with direct links to the exact filters, membranes, and supplies you need. Takes under 60 seconds.

500+Filter SKUs

10+Membrane materials

<60sTo your recommendation

How it works

Three questions. The right filter.

Choosing the wrong membrane material or pore size is one of the most common — and costly — lab mistakes. Our filter finder walks you through the key decision criteria in under a minute.

1

Tell us your application

HPLC sample prep, sterile filtration, cell culture, environmental testing — we cover every major lab use case.

2

Describe your sample

Aqueous, organic, biological, or chemically aggressive — the right membrane material depends on your chemistry.

3

Confirm your volume

Small volumes use syringe filters. Larger volumes need membrane discs with holders or vacuum systems.

✓

Get your recommendation

Matched to the right product — with direct links to every pore size and diameter variant we carry.

Interactive Filter Finder

Which filter is right for you?

Answer 3 questions — takes less than a minute.

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Product overview

Understanding your filter options

Not sure where to start? Here's a quick overview of the main product categories and when to use each one.

Syringe Filters

Inline filters attached directly to a syringe for rapid, small-volume filtration. The workhorse of HPLC sample prep and routine clarification tasks.

Best for

HPLC/LC-MS sample prep · Particle removal · Clarification of small volumes · Microbial reduction

Browse syringe filters →

Membrane Filters

Disc-format filters for use in holders or vacuum systems. Available in MCE, Nylon, PTFE, PES, PVDF, and polycarbonate membranes across a wide range of diameters.

Best for

Sterile filtration · Environmental monitoring · Large-volume clarification · Biological sample processing

Browse membrane filters →

Chromatography Supplies

SPE cartridges, HPLC vials and caps, and columns for sample cleanup, analyte enrichment, and chromatographic analysis across pharma, environmental, and bioanalytical labs.

Best for

Sample cleanup · Analyte concentration · Matrix removal · HPLC sample storage and preparation

Browse chromatography supplies →

Filter Holders & Systems

Reusable and disposable filter holders, vacuum filtration systems, and in-line filters for bench-top and process-scale applications.

Best for

Large-volume sterile filtration · Reusable setups · Vacuum filtration · Environmental sample processing

Browse filter holders & systems →

Quick reference

Membrane material compatibility guide

Use this table to match your sample chemistry to the right membrane material for syringe filters and membrane discs.

Membrane	Aqueous	Organic solvents	Biological / protein	Strong acids/bases	Typical applications
PTFE	Limited*	✓ Excellent	✗ High binding	✓ Excellent	Aggressive solvents, HPLC (organic phase), air monitoring
Nylon	✓ Excellent	Limited†	Moderate binding	✗ Not compatible	Aqueous HPLC, environmental, general clarification
PES	✓ Excellent	✗ Limited	✓ Low binding	Mild only	Sterile filtration, cell culture media, biological samples
PVDF	✓ Good	✓ Good	Low-binding variants	Mild only	General purpose, HPLC, western blotting
RC (Regenerated Cellulose)	✓ Excellent	Mild organics only	✓ Very low binding	✗ Not compatible	Sensitive aqueous HPLC, trace-level analysis
MCE (Mixed Cellulose Ester)	✓ Excellent	✗ Not compatible	Moderate binding	✗ Not compatible	Environmental monitoring, microbiology, particle analysis

* Hydrophilic PTFE is compatible with aqueous solutions. † Nylon is not compatible with DMSO, strong acids, ketones, or halogenated solvents.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about laboratory filters

Still not sure? We'll figure it out together.

Our application team works with labs across pharma, biotech, environmental testing, and academia. We'll recommend the exact product for your workflow.

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