Mediwax 12-Port Vacuum Manifold for Solid Phase Extraction

Overview

The Mediwax 12-Port Vacuum Manifold is a precision-engineered manual solid phase extraction (SPE) system designed for reproducible, scalable sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of vacuum-assisted column chromatography: liquid samples are drawn through SPE cartridges containing selective sorbents (e.g., C18, silica, ion exchange resins), enabling selective retention, washing, and elution of target analytes while removing matrix interferences. Unlike automated platforms, this manifold provides full operator control over vacuum pressure and individual channel flow rates—critical for method development, validation, and applications requiring fine-tuned solvent gradients or sequential fractionation. Its open architecture supports standardized SPE protocols compliant with EPA Method 500/525, ASTM D7977, ISO 16775, and USP , making it suitable for environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, and clinical toxicology workflows.

Key Features

• Modular borosilicate glass chamber with transparent walls for real-time visual monitoring of solvent flow, column breakthrough, and vacuum integrity
• Twelve independently controllable PTFE-sealed stopcocks—each calibrated for consistent, low-dead-volume flow regulation across diverse viscosity ranges
• Height-adjustable collection rack with six interchangeable plate options: 13 mm and 16 mm test tube holders, autosampler vial trays, volumetric flask supports, dimpled plates for stability, and base plates for custom vessel configurations
• Chemically inert wetted path: all fluid-contact components constructed from PTFE (guiding needles, tubing, seals), high-purity borosilicate glass (chamber), food-grade polypropylene (waste reservoir), and 316 stainless steel (structural hardware)
• Integrated analog vacuum gauge with side-mounted bleed valve for rapid pressure stabilization and safe venting—enabling precise vacuum modulation between 0–29 inHg (0–100 kPa)
• Compact footprint (28 × 20 × 25 cm) optimized for benchtop use; compatible with standard lab vacuum pumps (≥25 L/min flow rate recommended)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Mediwax 12-Port Manifold accommodates standard SPE cartridge formats (1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL) and is validated for use with commercially available sorbent chemistries including reversed-phase (C8, C18), normal-phase (silica, alumina), ion exchange (SCX, SAX), and mixed-mode media. Its PTFE-guided needle system prevents cross-contamination between channels and ensures accurate delivery to varied receiver geometries—including narrow-neck vials, wide-mouth flasks, and tapered conical tubes. The system meets material compatibility requirements outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for documented SOP execution when paired with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS-integrated logbooks. It supports GLP-compliant documentation through traceable vacuum pressure logs, manual flow timing records, and physical batch tags affixed to cartridges and collection vessels.

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated platform, the Mediwax 12-Port Manifold does not include embedded firmware or proprietary software. Instead, it integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory informatics ecosystems: users may record vacuum settings, dwell times, and solvent sequences directly into validated ELN templates (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) or paper-based SOP binders with audit-trail signatures. Optional accessories—including calibrated vacuum transducers and digital timers—enable quantitative data capture for method transfer reports and regulatory submissions. All hardware components bear engraved serial identifiers for asset tracking under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation frameworks.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Pre-concentration of pesticides, PAHs, and PFAS from surface water, wastewater, and soil extracts prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS
• Pharmaceutical QC: Cleanup of tablet dissolution media and biological matrices (plasma, urine) for HPLC-UV assay validation per ICH Q2(R2)
• Food safety testing: Removal of lipids and pigments from milk, honey, and fruit juice samples prior to mycotoxin or veterinary drug residue quantification
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants from whole blood and oral fluid specimens using supported liquid extraction (SLE)-compatible SPE protocols
• Method development labs: Rapid screening of sorbent selectivity, solvent strength, and flow rate effects without automation overhead

FAQ

Is the Mediwax 12-Port Manifold compatible with 6-mL SPE cartridges?
Yes—interchangeable adapter plates and adjustable rack height accommodate 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL cartridges without modification.
Can I use aggressive solvents such as DCM or THF?
All PTFE, glass, and PP components are chemically resistant to halogenated hydrocarbons, esters, ketones, and alcohols per ASTM D543 standards.
Does the system support positive-pressure SPE?
No—it is engineered exclusively for vacuum-driven operation; positive-pressure configurations require separate nitrogen manifolds or syringe-driven systems.
How often should stopcock gaskets be replaced?
Under routine use (≤50 extractions/week), PTFE gaskets maintain seal integrity for ≥12 months; replacement kits (Cat. No. 81204) are supplied with each manifold.
Is calibration required before first use?
The vacuum gauge is factory-calibrated; users should verify zero-point accuracy annually using a NIST-traceable reference gauge per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.