In sterile compounding and pharmaceutical filtration environments, selecting the appropriate sterile tube sets is a critical operational decision. At this stage, selecting the right sterile tube sets means comparing connection types, inlet configurations, and material construction to determine which option best supports your specific fluid transfer process and sterile compounding workflow.
International Filter Products manufactures three primary sterile transfer configurations designed for repeater pump applications and Luer Lock-compatible systems:
- Sterile Spike to Male Luer Lock Tube Set (IFP-081-2326)
- Sterile Luer Lock to Luer Lock Tube Set (IFP-081-2323)
- Male Luer Lock with Sinker Weight Tube Set (IFP-081-2321)
Each serves a distinct sterile transfer need. Below is a detailed breakdown to help determine which configuration aligns best with your application.
Sterile Spike to Male Luer Lock Tube Set
The Sterile Spike to Male Luer Lock Tube Set is designed for secure access to sterile solution bags while maintaining closed-system integrity.
Features
- Universal vented spike inlet
- Male Luer Lock outlet
- Repeater pump compatible
- Individually sterile packaged
- EO sterilized (SAL 10⁻⁶)
- Single-use only
- 3-year shelf life
The vented spike enables proper air displacement during bag drainage, ensuring smooth and controlled transfer.
Construction Materials
- High-strength silicone pump tubing
- PVC body tubing
- ABS and Polycarbonate components
- DEHP-free
- Animal-derived component-free
These materials support sterile compounding environments in accordance with pharmaceutical-grade standards.
Benefits
- Rapid sterile bag access
- Reduced setup time
- Controlled and consistent flow
- Leak-resistant Luer connections
- Extended operational lifespan
Applications & Use Cases
The IFP-081-2326 tube set is commonly used for:
- Accessing IV solution bags
- Closed-system sterile transfers
- In-line filtration processes
- Repeater pump dosing applications
Shelf Life
- 3 years from sterilization
- Maintains sterility until opened
Selecting the Sterile Spike to Male Luer Lock Over Other Sterile Tube Sets
This configuration is best when the source container is a sealed sterile bag. The spike simplifies connection and enhances workflow efficiency while maintaining sterility.
Sterile Luer Lock to Luer Lock Tube Set
The Sterile Luer Lock to Luer Lock Tube Set offers direct male-to-male Luer connectivity for fully closed systems.
Features
- Male Luer Lock inlet
- Male Luer Lock outlet
- Designed for repeater pump use
- Approximate 35 mL priming volume
- EO sterilized (SAL 10⁻⁶)
- Individually sterile packaged
- Single-use
- 3-year shelf life
Construction Materials
- Silicone pump segment
- PVC tubing
- ABS and Polycarbonate connectors
- DEHP-free
- Animal-derived component-free
Benefits
- Simple, economical sterile transfer solution
- Ideal for closed Luer-to-Luer systems
- Reliable leak-free performance
- Compatible with filters, dispensing needles, and bioprocessing bags
Applications & Use Cases
The IFP-081-2323 tube set is suited for:
- Connecting female Luer ports
- Syringe filling operations
- Filter-to-container transfers
- Standard repeater pump workflows
Shelf Life
- 3 years from sterilization
- Validated sterile barrier packaging
Selecting the Sterile Luer Lock to Luer Lock Tubes Over Other Sets
Select this option when both the source and destination feature female Luer connections, and neither a spike nor a weighted inlet is required.
Male Luer Lock with Sinker Weight Tube Set
The Male Luer Lock with Sinker Weight Tube Set is engineered for precise management of high-density fluids and maximum fluid recovery.
Features
- Male Luer Lock inlet with integrated 25g 316L stainless steel sinker weight
- Male Luer Lock outlet
- Designed for repeater pump use
- Approximate 35 mL priming volume (filter dependent)
- Individually packaged and factory sterilized
- EO sterilized to ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135 standards
- Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶
- Single-use only
- 3-year shelf life
The weighted inlet keeps the suction point submerged, minimizing air intake and ensuring consistent fluid transfer.
Construction Materials
- High-strength silicone pump segment
- PVC tubing
- ABS and Polycarbonate connectors
- 316L stainless steel weight
- DEHP-free materials
- Animal-derived component-free
The silicone section under pump stress is engineered for durability, delivering extended operational life.
Benefits
- Optimized for high-viscosity and dense formulations
- Maximizes yield from source containers
- Prevents air entrainment
- Leak- and spall-free performance
- Extended lifespan compared to many standard tube sets
- Secure Luer Lock connectivity
Applications & Use Cases
The IFP-081-2321 tube set is ideal for:
- Drawing from sterile bags or open containers
- Transferring viscous compounded solutions
- Dosing into syringes, vials, and IV bags
- Integrating with Luer-compatible filtration systems
Shelf Life
- 3 years from sterilization
- Validated sterile barrier packaging
Selecting the Male Luer Lock with Sinker Weight Over Other Sterile Tube Sets
Choose this configuration when working with high-density fluids or when maximum container drainage is required. The weighted design offers stability and performance advantages not found in non-weighted configurations.
Comparative Overview of Sterile Tube Sets
|
In Summary
Choosing the right sterile transfer tube set depends on fluid density, container type, and system configuration.
- For viscous or high-density fluids →
Male Luer Lock with Sinker Weight Tube Set - For sterile bag access →
Sterile Spike to Male Luer Lock Tube Set - For fully closed Luer-to-Luer systems →
Sterile Luer Lock to Luer Lock Tube Set
All three options are EO sterilized, validated to SAL 10⁻⁶, supported by Certificates of Conformance, and designed for repeater pump compatibility — ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient sterile fluid transfer.
