STERILIZATION OF LIQUIDS BY FILTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF PROBABILITY
Abstract
Four types of hydrosol filters, two reusable (diatomaceous cylinder and fritted glass funnel) and two disposable (asbestos pad and membrane filter), were challenged with a heavy Serratia marcescens suspension to assess their ability to produce sterile filtrates. Two of the four diatomaceous earth filters, the four fritted glass funnels, and all the asbestos pads tested generally gave sterile filtrates. However, only one type of filter, one of the membranes in its manufacturer's own holder, consistently gave sterile filtrates. The two other types of membranes usually gave sterile filtrates if tested in one manufacturer's holder but all types invariably gave contaminated filtrates when tested in another manufacturer's holder. Contaminated filtrates were generally attributed to a poor reusable filter or to a faulty holder used with a disposable filter. If a high degree of certainty is required for sterile heat- labile filtrate, it is suggested that the liquid be passed through two or more filters in a previously tested and proved system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0813566
Entities
People
- Charles R. Phillips
- Dorothy M. Portner
- Robert K. Hoffman