General Questions | Pressure Elution Station Questions | Sampling Questions
General Questions
Pressure Elution Station Questions
Sampling Questions
Is Filta-Max xpress® accepted by the U.S EPA?Yes, Filta-Max xpress is accepted by the U.S. EPA under Methods 1622 and 1623.
What is the final volume after elution?The final volume is 400–450 mL.Back to top
Are there any integrity effects on the oocysts and cysts?IDEXX performed experiments with various ages of oocysts and cysts, and did not see any changes to the morphology or mophometry. Back to top
Do you see more consistent or higher recoveries with Filta-Max xpress?Recoveries are equivalent to, or higher than, Filta-Max® and show a higher degree of precision. Back to top
Which matrices has IDEXX used in developing Filta-Max xpress?IDEXX has experimented with challenging matrices from a wide range of geographical locations. Back to top
Is there a chance for cross-contamination when using the Filta-Max xpress Pressure Elution Station?The elution station uses positive pressure to elute the oocysts and cysts from the filter module, minimizing the risk of contaminating the unit itself. IDEXX supplies five outlet diverters with each elution station so your laboratory can switch diverters between samples. You can clean these manually or in an autoclave. IDEXX has researched the possibility of cross-contamination by using high spikes of target organisms (e.g., 106) and there has not been any evidence of cross-contamination.Back to top
Does the Pressure Elution Station require calibration?The machine is calibrated at point of manufacture and does not require recalibration thereafter. There are low- and high-pressure gauges that can be used to check the pressure. The high-pressure gauge should read 5 bar and the low-pressure gauge should read 5.5 psig.Back to top
How robust is the Pressure Elution Station?IDEXX has carried out a mean time between failure analysis and seen that even at 85,000 cycles, the elution station was still functioning correctly.Back to top
Can I modify the product to accommodate 2 x 250-mL centrifuge tubes?Although Filta-Max xpress has been optimized to use a total elution volume of 400–450 mL contained within a 500-mL centrifuge tube, IDEXX has validated the use of 2 x 250-mL centrifugation at 1500 x g for 15 minutes as an alternative procedure. IDEXX suggests that laboratories validate this alternative procedure before adopting it. Back to top
Can I split the sample in two after elution?Yes, this is possible. Back to top
What is in the elution buffer used in the Filta-Max xpress Pressure Elution Station, and how does it differ from the original Filta-Max® buffer of PBS and Tween 20?The Filta-Max xpress® buffer contains sodium pyrophosphate, which we have proven generates cleaner samples, making microscopic evaluation easier (sodium pyrophosphate tetra basic decahydrate, EDTA tri-sodium salt, Tris-HCl and Tween 80). Back to top
Does the lid on the buffer carboy fit onto a larger volume carboy?The lid is interchangeable with a larger carboy with an 83-mm diameter closure.Back to top
How should I clean the pressure chamber after each run?You should run reagent water through the elution station after the last elution cycle of the day.Back to top
How should I clean the QC body on the Pressure Elution Station?You can clean the QC stem with an alcohol wipe; however, positive pressure is used to elute so there is very minimal risk of cross-contamination.Back to top
When centrifuging a larger volume, such as 400–450 mL, is there anything I should take into consideration to maximize recovery?It is advisable to minimize vibration, balance the centrifuge and use a slightly higher centrifuge speed (2000 g).Back to top
What volume remains in the housing after sampling?Typically there might be between 0–50 mL remaining in the housing after sampling. This is purged from the housing during the first cycle of the elution.Back to top
Can I use my existing Filta-Max® MKI housing and my housing with hosetail fittings with the Filta-Max xpress Pressure Elution Station?You can use only Filta-Max® housings (MKII) with the correct fittings with the Pressure Elution Station. You can use Filta-Max® MKI housings and Filta-Max® MKII housings with hosetail fittings for field sampling; however, you should place the filter modules in an MKII housing with appropriate fittings for the elution process. Back to top
Can I convert my MKII housings for use with the Filta-Max xpress Pressure Elution Station?Yes. IDEXX provides a kit that includes a QF stem and a QC body that you can fit onto the MKII housing. IDEXX also provides a sampling kit that you can attach to the sampling hose to aid in the quick attachment of the filter housing. Back to top
Which pressures do you recommend for use with the Filta-Max xpress Pressure Elution Station?Minimum Input Pressure: 65 psig (4.5 bar) Maximum Input Pressure: 150 psig (10.3 bar) Working Pressure: 72.5 to 116 psig (5 to 8 bar)Back to top
Can you suggest transport containers for the Filta-Max xpress filter module after sampling?The Qorpak plastic 8 oz jar can be used to transport the filters. VWR cat # 36318-860. The Qorpak cat # is PLC-4DK0182AWNA6C9 3823. Back to top
Can I purchase the Swagelok fittings elsewhere?Yes, they can be purchased directly from Swagelok. QF4 stem ¼" BSPP (ISO 228/1) Cat# SS-QF4-S-4MS QC6 body ¼" BSPP (ISO 228/1) Cat# SS-QC6-B-4MS QF4 body ¼" NPT Cat# SS-QF4-B-4PM QC6 stem ¼" NPT Cat# SS-QC6-D-4PM Back to top
