The EZ-Fit™ filter unit from Merck Millipore uses leading industrial technologies for more efficient measurement of the total microbial count in municipal water, environmental samples, and beverages.

- Reduces the risk of sample contamination associated with filtration and membrane transfer
- Accelerates filtration processes and provides more reliable results
- Complements the extensive product portfolio with more powerful analysis of total microbial counts and the detection of microbial components

Merck Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck, has launched the EZ-Fit™ filter unit, a ready-to-use disposable filter device for microbial enumeration. The system is faster and more efficient than conventional methods, enabling increased reliability and optimized workflows. The device meets international standards (EP/USP) and guidelines for water analysis and can be used for filtering liquid samples, including water, raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

"The EZ-Fit™ filter unit is the latest product in our comprehensive range designed to support and simplify workflows in microbiology, while simultaneously minimizing contamination risk," says John Sweeney, Head of Lab Solutions at Merck Millipore. "Microbial enumeration is a key element of quality assurance. To meet the increasing demands of this critical process, we will continue to leverage our strong heritage and expertise in filtration and deliver innovative solutions for quality control professionals."

The EZ-Fit™ filter unit provides optimal microbial recovery and more reliable results. The shape of the funnel and the plastic material minimize residual sample, ensuring that the entire sample volume reaches the membrane surface. The design reduces the risk of leaks and prevents the sample from bypassing the membrane, allowing filtration of the entire sample volume. After filtration, the membrane is completely flat; during transfer, the entire membrane surface remains in contact with the culture carrier. Alternatively, liquid media can be added from the top, and once the funnel is removed, the system transforms into a petri dish for faster, simplified incubation.

The EZ-Fit™ filter unit is pre-sterilized. The cover remains in place during filtration to prevent contamination. To maintain sample integrity, a frame is provided to prevent tweezers and the filtration membrane from accidentally touching.

To facilitate and speed up handling, the EZ-Fit™ filter unit allows the funnel to be removed with just one hand. Additionally, the clear funnel with a larger diameter makes it easier to fill with samples and makes the end of the filtration process visible. The fill level indicator on the funnel eliminates the need to invert it when placed on the surface.

EZ-Fit™ filter units are available in 100 ml or 250 ml funnel sizes and are packaged individually or in bulk. Furthermore, the units are space-saving stackable in the laboratory.

EZ-Fit™ filter units are easily integrated into the EZ-Fit™ manifold, a universal laboratory filtration system, and are part of the EZ product family, which simplifies workflows in microbiology for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) laboratories. Other products include:

- EZ-Fluo™ Rapid Detection System: faster, non-destructive detection of microbiological contamination
- EZ-Pak® Dispenser Curve: sterile high-speed membrane dispensing with touchless operation
- EZ-Stream™ Pump: direct transfer of liquids to avoid multiple handling of liquid waste containers