Cell Strainer Cell Filters for Flow Cytometry

Why does the quality of the cell suspension matter?

Flow cytometry is a technique that has revolutionized cellular research, offering the possibility of analyzing thousands of cells in a matter of seconds. Used both in scientific research and clinical diagnostics, it allows for the assessment of surface marker expression, cell cycle, viability, and even functional parameters. However, in order to obtain reliable and repeatable results, it is crucial to properly prepare the biological material - the cell suspension. And this is where the help comes in Cell Strainer – a membrane filter that allows for precise purification of the sample from aggregates, impurities and particles that may interfere with the operation of the cytometer. These devices are extremely sensitive to the presence of tissue debris, cell lumps or clots that can cause errors in reading or even mechanical damage to the equipment. Using the Cell Strainer significantly reduces this risk. Thanks to its use, the scientist is sure that each analysis will be performed on a homogeneous, clear sample, and the data will reflect the actual biological state of the cells being tested. Filtration using the Cell Strainer is not only a matter of convenience, but above all, the quality of data and the safety of analytical devices. Importantly, these filters are also indispensable for other applications – such as separation of cells from tissues after enzymatic digestion, purification of cell cultures, or filtration of body fluids – so they are a multi-tasking tool.

Cell Strainer in everyday laboratory practice – functionality, simplicity and efficiency

Membrane filters Cell Strainer have become an integral part of laboratory procedures wherever cell suspensions are used, whether in clinical, biotechnological or academic research. Their use extends far beyond sample preparation for flow cytometry – this is also a key step in isolating cells from solid tissues. After enzymatic digestion or mechanical fragmentation of biological material, we obtain a mixture of cells and unwanted tissue fragments. Without filtration, this material is useless for precise analyses – it is inhomogeneous, contaminated and full of artifacts. In this context, the use of Cell Strainer is practically mandatory. Various filter variants are available – the most popular pore diameters are 40 µm, 70 µm and 100 µm – which allows the tool to be matched to the type of material. Smaller pores are ideal for purifying suspensions for flow cytometry, while larger ones – in the case of tissues rich in large structures. The store's offer Googlab Labs Cell Strainer nylon filters are available, compatible with Falcon 50 ml tubes, which are commonly used in most protocols. The ergonomic design makes the filtration process simple, fast and possible to perform with one hand. What's more, many models are available in a sterile version, individually packed, which guarantees the safety of work in aseptic conditions. Thanks to the possibility of wholesale orders, laboratories can easily maintain continuity of work without the risk of material shortages. Cell Strainer is therefore not only a filter, but a full-fledged tool supporting the daily work of research and diagnostic teams.

Effective filtration is a guarantee of data quality and repeatability of results

In context flow cytometry, the effectiveness of the analysis is directly dependent on the quality of the input material. Any artifact, lump or residue can falsify the reading, introduce noise or disturb the interpretation of results. Therefore, filtration with Cell Strainer should be treated not as an optional addition, but as a mandatory step in sample preparation. Homogeneity of the suspension is the basis for precise analyses – not only in terms of quantity, but also quality. Even dispersion of cells allows obtaining reliable data from dot plots and histograms, which is especially important in clinical studies, e.g. immunophenotyping of peripheral blood cells, monitoring of CAR-T therapy or diagnostics of hematological malignancies. Moreover, good quality filtration also reduces reagent consumption, because samples do not have to be repeated due to contamination. Additionally, it allows to avoid downtime resulting from the need to clean the flow system in the cytometer. On the blog Googlab Labs you can find a number of practical tips on choosing the right consumables, including filters, and ways to optimize laboratory procedures. By implementing solutions such as Cell Strainers permanently into laboratory protocols, we invest in quality, safety and repeatability – the three foundations of work in an in vitro laboratory. Thanks to the available options for matching filters to specific applications, each laboratory can find a product that meets its needs – both technically and budgetarily.