Precision Perfected: Selecting the Right Laboratory Syringe for Optimal Results

Achieving accurate and reliable injections is fundamental in laboratory settings, yet navigating the diverse array of syringe types and specifications can be challenging. Trajan Scientific offers a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory syringes, meticulously designed for both manual and automated applications, ensuring optimal performance and precision.

This guide provides a clear comparison of syringe types, highlighting their ideal uses, terminations, needles, and plungers, empowering you to make informed decisions for your specific needs.

Choosing Your Syringe Type

When choosing the ideal syringe, the main consideration is whether the application will be manual or automated.

Manual Syringe

For handheld operations, SGE® manual syringes offer exceptional accuracy and reliability, with customizable volumes and needle configurations. These syringes feature options like bevel-tipped needles for optimal septum penetration in gas chromatography and PTFE-tipped plungers for handling challenging samples.

Autosampler Syringe

For automated systems, SGE® autosampler syringes are engineered to seamlessly integrate with specific instrument models, guaranteeing precise and consistent injections. These syringes, available for GC and LC applications, boast features like cone-tipped needles for enhanced septum longevity and square-tipped needles for optimized LC valve injections. Color-coding for GC syringes simplifies volume identification, and their accuracy (≥ ±1%) ensures reliable results in high-throughput analyses.

Syringe Termination

The termination, the interface between the barrel and needle, dictates needle compatibility. Options include fixed needle (FN), removable needle (RN), Luer Lock (LL), Luer Tip (LT), and threaded terminations, each suited for specific applications.

Visual Representation	Termination Type, Code, & Details
	Fixed Needle Terminations (F) refer to the end of the needle, which is designed to interface with the sample vial or well. They are recommended for autosampler use where the probability of needle bending is minimal.
	Removable Needle Terminations (R) allow for the needle to be changed if damaged or for different applications. This allows for quick changes, either for maintenance or to adapt to different analytical requirements.
	Luer Tip Terminations (LT) have a Luer fitting that screws onto the barrel. It allows for easy and rapid needle changes, similar to other removable needle terminations.
	Luer Lock Terminations (LL) have a female Luer lock component that is integrated directly into the autosampler, becoming a fixed part of the barrel/valve assembly. The Luer fitting cannot be removed or replaced independently of the barrel itself.
	Thread Terminations have a thread screw into a valve or other device, required for some LC autosamplers. They are often used in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems.

Needle Selection

Consider the application-specific needle tip for optimal performance.

Visual Representation	Needle Tip Style & Features	Application
	Bevel Tip Style (BV) is a 20° tip, typically used for manual injections. Designed for optimum septa penetration and prevention of septa coring.	Manual GC
	Cone Tip Style (C) is designed to withstand multi-injection requirements and improve septa lifetime when used with a GC autosampler. The needle passes through the septa during use and does not cause a slit.	GC autosampler
	Dual Gauge Tip Style is a narrow gauge at the tip, suitable for large bore on-column injection. The wider gauge part of the needle gives increased strength to the needle for autosampler use.	On-column injection - autosampler
	Square Tip Style (LC) is used for LC valve injection and have a 90° square tip with rounded and polished edges. This eliminates damage to the valve’s rotor seal and stator face.	Liquid chromatography
	Dome Tip Style (D) is the rounded and polished tip that makes this needle ideal for use with pre-drilled septa.	Pre-drilled septa
	Side Hole Tip Style (H) is used for samples that are filled and dispensed through the side hole, eliminating septa plugging of the needle. Ideal for large-volume gas injections and headspace.	Large volume injection (LVI)

Plunger Selection

Consider the application-specific plunger type for optimal performance.

Visual Representation	Type & Features	Application
	Metal Plungers are individually fitted to its own syringe barrel. Plunger is not replaceable nor interchangeable.	Industry-standard syringe for chromatography applications. For use when injection volume is greater than 1 µL
	PTFE and PE Tipped Plungers are replaceable, easy to remove, and clean to extend the plunger. Available in capacities: 10 µL to 100 mL.	Liquid and gas samples, Headspace applications, Ideal for samples with high levels of contaminants
	Metal Plunger for NanoVolume Syringes (Plunger-in-Needle) extend into the needle tip. Each Sample is contained only in the needle i.e. no glass contact. Available in capacities: 0.5 μL, 1 μL, and 5 μL	Dispensing very small liquid volumes (less than 1 µL)
	Superflex™ Flexible Plunger is made from titanium/nickel alloy and is virtually indestructible. They are available in capacities: 5 μL and 10 μL.	Chromatography applications requiring greater plunger durability
	Plunger Protection have extended protection from the top of the syringe back flange to help prevent plunger bending during injection and improve plunger stroke. They are available in capacities: 5 μL and 10 μL.	General use for both experienced and inexperienced users
	Guided Plunger have an extended barrel guides plunger during injection. They are robust and rugged and available in capacities: 5 μL and 10 μL.	Industrial applications

Selecting the right syringe requires careful consideration of volume, termination, needle, and plunger types. Trajan’s wide selection of manual, autosampler, and specialized syringes are made to fit many laboratory needs.

When selecting a syringe for liquid handling, consider the needle, the termination, and the type of syringe. You can also contact our expert team for any assistance at 1-800-733-2522, [email protected], or message us via Live Chat, available on our website.

* Analytical syringes manufactured by Trajan Scientific and Medical are intended for analytical and laboratory use only and are not intended or approved for use with food, including the production or packaging of food, nor medical or human in-vivo use.