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Microliter Syringes vs Gastight Syringes: Key Differences Explained


Microliter Syringes vs Gastight Syringes: Key Differences Explained


When it comes to precision in laboratory applications, choosing the right syringe is essential. Microliter syringes and Gastight syringes are both widely used, yet they are designed for different types of samples and purposes. Understanding their differences helps ensure accuracy, reliability, and long-lasting performance.

What Are Microliter Syringes?

Microliter syringes are high-precision syringes designed for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples that do not bind to glass or form deposits. Each syringe features:

  • A finely bored glass barrel
  • A hand-fitted stainless-steel plunger
  • Smooth, friction-free operation with minimal wear

This construction ensures long-lasting performance when used with stable, non-crystallising organic liquids.

What Are Gastight Syringes?

Gastight syringes are designed for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquid samples. Instead of a stainless-steel plunger, they feature a precision-machined PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) plunger tip, which creates a tight, leak-free seal.

This design offers key benefits:

  • Plunger tip wipes the barrel clean with each stroke
  • Reduced risk of deposits causing plunger sticking
  • Suitable for aqueous and low-volatile organic samples

 

When to Use Microliter Syringes

Choose Microliter syringes when working with:

  • Homogeneous organic liquids
  • Samples that are not prone to precipitation or crystallisation
  • Applications requiring maximum precision and smooth plunger action

Note: If used with heterogeneous solutions, deposits can form inside the barrel and cause the plunger to freeze. Microliter plungers cannot be replaced or interchanged, so proper sample selection is essential.

When to Use Gastight Syringes

Choose Gastight syringes when handling:

  • Aqueous solutions
  • Low-volatile organic samples
  • Heterogeneous mixtures
  • Gas sampling and dispensing

Unlike Microliter syringes, Gastight plungers can be replaced. However, a replacement plunger should not be used in a barrel with existing deposits, as these can quickly damage the PTFE tip.

 

Microliter Syringe Product Series

Hamilton offers several Microliter syringe series, each tailored to laboratory requirements:

Gastight Syringe Product Series

Hamilton manufactures several Gastight syringe series for different laboratory uses:

Anatomy of a Syringe

Microliter Syringes vs Gastight Syringes: Key Differences Explained

The right choice between Microliter syringes and Gastight syringes depends on your application:

  • Use Microliter syringes for homogeneous, non-reactive organic liquids.
  • Use Gastight syringes for gases, aqueous solutions, and heterogeneous liquids.

By selecting the correct syringe, laboratories can ensure precision, extend equipment lifespan, and achieve reliable results.

Get Your Hamilton Syringes from Lab Unlimited

Lab Unlimited is the authorised main distributor of Hamilton Microliter syringes and Hamilton Gastight syringes. Whether you need precision sampling for liquids or gases, we provide the full range of products, expert support, and fast delivery.

Contact us today by clicking the button below to learn more about our products and find the right syringe for your laboratory needs.


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