When selecting an in-line filter for infusion therapy or drug delivery, it is important to properly characterize the size and nature of particulate contaminants to be retained or removed. A common risk during long-term IV therapy is contamination of IV solutions with bacteria or fungi. Mycron filtration devices with 0.2 µm polyethersulfone membranes allow the passage of aqueous solutions while providing an effective barrier against microbial cells of similar or larger size. In parenteral nutrition applications, where the infused solution contains lipid globules that provide vital nutrients to the patient, the use of an in-line filter with a 1.2 µm polyethersulfone membrane is recommended to reduce the risk of yeast contamination while allowing unrestricted passage of suspended lipid micelles.

In applications where the main objective is the removal of such unwanted particulate matter as drug aggregates and precipitates, in-line filtration devices with pore sizes between 0.2 µm and 5 µm are commonly used.

 

The pore size or rating in a filtration device not only dictates its retention characteristics but also its functional attributes, including flow rate and throughput. For instance, membrane devices with larger pore sizes will exhibit faster flow rates and increased throughput. It is important to note membranes made using different polymers and casting methods, but with the same pore size, can exhibit different flow rates and throughput performance.

Similarly, the degree of porosity of the membrane also has a strong influence on the membrane flow rate and throughput capabilities. Porosity is a measure of how many open spaces or pores are present in a membrane. Flow rate and throughput are directly proportional to the porosity of the membrane. Mycron polyethersulfone membrane is highly porous and provides high flow rates and excellent filtration efficiency.