Compact Easy-to-Use Pumps Provides Improved Sterility Testing

Merck Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck, has launched Steritest™ Symbio Pumps for easier, safer and more reliable sterility testing of pharmaceutical products in laminar flow hoods, isolators and clean rooms. The Steritest™ Symbio Pumps were developed to address stringent pharmaceutical testing requirements.

The compact housing design of the Steritest™ Symbio Pumps allows easier access in laminar flow hoods and enables compatibility with vertical and horizontal air flows. The new design also frees working space and increases loading capacity in isolators, improving workflows and efficiency.

The ergonomic pump head ensures quick introduction of filtration units and removes the risk of pinched gloves. Its automatic closure provides repeatable tubing placement, and thus reliable splitting of the liquid sample. The buttons are designed for operation with isolator gloves. In addition, the pump is easy to clean and resistant to gas decontamination in isolators.

Steritest™ Symbio Pumps feature a highly precise timer function enabling small volumes to be sampled with accuracy. Two canister pressure detection modes are programmed to alert the operator, reducing the risk of test interruption and maximising efficiency.

The dedicated test management software allows easy creation and management of test methods and simplified pump memory updates. The test methods library stores up to 250 filtration protocols ensuring test method reproducibility and saving time. Additionally, operators are given step-by-step assistance throughout the testing procedure.

A comprehensive range of services, such as installation and training, validation protocols and IQ/OQ services help to ensure compliance.