Filters for pipette tips

New fiber-based filters for pipette tips are said to better protect liquid samples and users from aerosol contamination in microbiological-sample analysis than do plastic-based tips. The tip filters have a uniform fiber alignment and porosity for good air flow and efficient pipetting. The bonded fibers are also more resilient than porous plastic. This slight “give” provides a snug, custom fit, minimizing tip crimping and damage during assembly and maximizing production efficiency. Pore size maybe tuned down to 1.5 microns while maintaining sufficient flow resistance.

Filtrona Porous Technologies, Colonial Heights, VA, (804) 524-4983, www.info.hotims.com/27261-500

BPA-free check valve for IV sets and other assemblies

Normally closed check valve is without the presence of the plastics chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), which has been shown to lead to health problems in laboratory mice. Designed for the intermittent injection of fluids while permitting back flow, the valve opens automatically when pressure is applied. It has a male luer lock outlet and a female luer lock inlet, and it can be used in applications such as IV sets, pump sets, catheters, extension sets, winged infusion sets, and other assemblies. It is also latex-free and is available as part of custom configurations or as a stand-alone component.

Braun OEM Division, 824 Twelfth Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018, (866) 822-7286, www.info.hotims.com/27261-501

IV connectors

During connection and disconnection, InVision-Plus IV connectors provide zero blood reflux, which inhibits thrombotic occlusion, eliminates clamping sequences and positive-pressure flush techniques, and provides clinicians a Heparin-free “saline-only” option. The septum surface of the InVision- Plus is smooth and swabbable. It is also 99.94% effectively blood-cleared with a single 1 mL 0.9% NS flush.

RyMed Technologies, Inc, 137 Third Avenue North, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-8093, www.info.hotims.com/27261-502

Acoustically transparent filters for hearing aids

A special treatment is applied to filter materials intended to be integrated into behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) hearing aids. The acoustically transparent filters protect the hearing aid’s microphone and receiver from oils, dirt, dust, water, hairspray, and perspiration. They also reduce wind noise. It is said that use of the filters results in a sound transmission loss of less than 2.0 decibels.

Donaldson Co, PO Box 1299, Minneapolis, MN 55440, (952) 887-3874, www.info.hotims.com/27261-504

Self-priming hydrophilic filter

The #28221 IV self-priming hydrophilic filter captures particles as small as 1.2 micron. The body is acrylic, while the fluid filter is PES and the vent filter is PTFE. Models that capture particles down to 0.2 micron are also available.

Qosina Corp, 150-Q Executive Dr, Edgewood, NY 11717, (631) 242-3000, www.info.hotims.com/27261-505

Pinch clamps

Pinch clamps for IV administration sets are suitable for EtO and gamma sterilization. A stepped ratchet closure provides adjustable flow rate. The polyethylene clamps work on tubing with ID dimensions of 0.158-in and wall thicknesses of 0.158 in. PN 993-67 are blue and PN 993-68 are white.

Pall Corp, 25 Harbor Park Dr, Port Washington, NY 11050, (516) 484-5400, www.info.hotims.com/27261-506

Luer fittings

A broad selection of male luer and female luer fittings and connectors, luer adapters, and luer accessories includes over 120 separate luer configurations in PVDF, nylon, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. Many color and special materials are available. Male luers and female luers come with tubing connections that fit many tubing materials ranging from 1/16 to 1/4-in. ID threaded ends and panel-mount versions are also available. All luer fittings, adapters, and accessories are made to the ISO-594-1 standard.

Value Plastics Inc, Fort Collins, CO, (888) 404-5837, www.info.hotims.com/27261-503